Freiburg's unbeaten start signals sustained success in Bundesliga

Freiburg entered the 2026/27 season facing a significant challenge: after reaching the UEFA Europa League final and qualifying for Europe again, could Julian Schuster's team maintain their high standards? Four Bundesliga matches into the new campaign, the answer has been a resounding yes.

The Breisgau club remains unbeaten, boasting three wins and one draw, with a remarkable goal tally of 12 scored and only three conceded. Their victories over Werder Bremen, Paderborn, and Borussia Mönchengladbach, followed by a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Eintracht Frankfurt, have left Schuster's side with 10 points from a possible 12.

What stands out about Freiburg's start is that it no longer feels surprising. Schuster inherited a challenging situation when he took over from Christian Streich, yet Freiburg has continued to progress. A fifth-place finish in his first season was followed by a seventh-place finish in 2025/26, alongside impressive runs to the DFB-Pokal semi-finals and the Europa League final. This season has begun with a similar consistency, suggesting that Freiburg is not just a flash in the pan.

Freiburg's campaign kicked off with a commanding 4-1 victory over Bremen, showcasing their attacking prowess. They then displayed a different facet of their game with a narrow 1-0 win at Paderborn, before dismantling Gladbach with a stunning 5-0 scoreline. Their ability to come from behind to earn a point in Frankfurt further highlights their resilience and adaptability, essential traits for a team aiming to remain competitive in European positions.

Balancing tradition with innovation

The foundation of Freiburg's success lies in continuity rather than drastic changes. Schuster has managed to preserve the collective identity established over many years while gradually imprinting his vision on the team. This balance between tradition and innovation is crucial for maintaining their upward trajectory.

That's the Call

Looking ahead, the coming weeks will be telling. Freiburg will host Schalke this weekend before facing Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich in consecutive Bundesliga matches. These fixtures will provide a clearer indication of whether their unbeaten start can evolve into another serious European campaign.

While challenges are inevitable, especially with the added demands of European football, Freiburg has spent enough time competing near the top of the Bundesliga for their success to be seen as a norm rather than an anomaly. Four matches do not define a season, but accumulating 10 points from 12 is a strong reminder that Freiburg has become one of German football's most consistently well-run and competitive clubs.