SC Freiburg vs SV Werder Bremen

Freiburg kicked off the new Bundesliga season in style, thrashing Werder Bremen 4-1 at home in a match that was one-sided almost from start to finish. Despite Werder finding some early joy through chances for Amos Pieper and Marco Grüll, it was the hosts who took control once they broke the deadlock. Yuito Suzuki was the story of the night, scoring a first-half header in the 29th minute before adding two more in a five-minute second-half burst (48' and 55') to complete his hat-trick. Igor Matanović chipped in with a fine strike from distance right before the break (45'). Werder's only reply came through Dariusz Stalmach, who headed home a corner in the 76th minute. Returning forward Niclas Füllkrug squandered a good chance, while Ludovit Reis and Keisuke Goto picked up yellow cards. It's a statement opening result for Freiburg, who look sharp and clinical in front of goal. For Werder Bremen, it's a rough start compounded by the news that Jens Stage suffered a serious thigh injury in training and could be out for the rest of the year.