Freiburg Beats Schalke to Take Bundesliga Lead

SC Freiburg reclaimed the Bundesliga lead after defeating FC Schalke 04 2-1 at Europa-Park Stadion, overcoming a numerical disadvantage to secure all three points in the final match of the fifth round. According to the German source article published by Tipico on October 11, 2026, Keisuke Goto scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute, lifting Freiburg to 13 points and ahead of Borussia Dortmund on goal difference. The result was particularly significant because Freiburg had been reduced to 10 players when Yuito Suzuki received a second yellow card in the 64th minute.

Schalke had the numerical advantage but could not capitalize, as Freiburg maintained its unbeaten home run described in the source report. Freiburg took the lead in the 10th minute through Maximilian Eggestein. After Matthias Ginter's header from a corner was saved by Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius, Eggestein converted the rebound to put the home side ahead.

Freiburg nearly doubled its advantage in the 18th minute, but Igor Matanovic missed a promising opportunity. Schalke responded in the 30th minute, when Adrian Gantenbein scored from a corner to make it 1-1.

Schalke improved after halftime and came close to taking the lead in the 60th minute. A header from Maximilian Wöber struck the crossbar after Matanovic intervened while attempting to clear the ball. Suzuki's dismissal four minutes later appeared to give Schalke an opportunity to take control. Instead, Freiburg found the winning goal despite having one fewer player on the field.

Vincenzo Grifo delivered a precise cross in the 85th minute, allowing substitute Keisuke Goto to finish and give Freiburg a 2-1 victory. The goal settled the match and secured three points for the hosts. The win moved Freiburg above both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the standings, according to the source report. Freiburg reached 13 points, matching the total referenced for Dortmund but moving ahead because of its superior goal difference.

For Schalke, the defeat ended a match in which the team had recovered from an early deficit and enjoyed a numerical advantage for the final stages. Freiburg, meanwhile, extended its home run and took first place in the Bundesliga standings after the fifth round.