In a summer of much change in Breisgau, with several starters leaving Freiburg, manager Christian Streich fielding a line-up much different to the one that had took to the field at Hannover 96 on that fateful final day of the Bundesliga season.
The last season relegated outfit, afforded summer signings Amir Abrashi and Vincenzo Grifo a place in the starting line-up whilst other arrivals at the Schwarzwald Stadion, Tim Kleindienst, Patrick Klandt and Lucas Hufnagel had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes.
Nils Petersen also featured for Streich's side, recently after committing his future to the Breisgau club signing permanently for Werder Bremen. Alexander Schwolow also featured for the hosts after returning from a years loan at Arminia Bielefeld.
After a rather mediocre first season back in the 2. Bundesliga, 1. FC Nürnberg were in no haste to strengthen their prospects for a return to the top flight.
Four summer signings featured in the starting eleven; which were Thorsten Kirschbaum, Kevin Möhwald, Hanno Behrens and Rúrik Gíslason, signed from VfB Stuttgart, Rot Weiß Erfurt, SV Darmstadt 98 and FC Copenhagen respectively.
Striker Stefan Kutschke who impressed in the Bundesliga last year for SC Paderborn would have to settle for a place on the bench following his £175'000 move from VfL Wolfsburg.
Lightning start provides Petersen hat-trick
After only eight minutes the hosts were provided with the perfect opportunity to break the deadlock, from the penalty spot. Nils Petersen made no mistake and beat Kirschbaum, opening his tally for the new season. It was just the reaction Christian Streich will have wanted to see from his side following last seasons relegation.
Just as the saying goes, you are at your weakest having just scored but this wasn't the case at the Schwarzwald Stadion and in fact it was the polar opposite; as only three minutes later SC Freiburg would double their lead. Remarkably, once again the goal would come from the penalty spot; Nils Petersen once again stepping up and the same outcome was achieved.
The away side were shocked and with out knowing they were already 3-0 down. A wide free-kick from the left hand side sailed in and was eventually bundled in that man again, Nils Petersen. The former Bayern Munich man scoring the quickest 2. Bundesliga hat-trick since Helmut Hampl notched a trio for Hessen Kassel against Saarbrücken in 1983. Freiburg were in dreamland. The result was surely determined in what had been a blitzkrieg start to life back in the 2. Bundesliga for SC Freiburg.
Although the following twenty or so minutes lacked any goals the match wouldn't be short of action with both sides going close to extend the lead or reduce the deficit respectively. Mike Frantz and Maximilian Philipp both going close for the hosts but Thorsten Kirschbaum did well to deny both efforts. Dany Blum with the return effort for der Club but it was to no avail as Alexander Schwolow protected his clean sheet.
Frantz makes it four before Möhwald nets debut stunner
It seemed like an age since Nils Petersen scored his quick fire hat-trick, but in fact it was only the 40th minute, and this would be the next time a goal would be added to the scoreline. Some great up play by the Breisgau outfit, between Maximilian Philipp and Vincenzo Grifo led to Nils Petersen having an effort on goal; however his effort was saved but Mike Frantz was on hand to tap in the rebound.
The belated visitors would however add to the scoresheet just before the break. An over-hit corner was played back into the 'mixer' and Kevin Möhwald was at hand to volley home on his Nürnberg debut.
Second half sees the game turned on its head
At the beginning of the second half the hosts didn't repeat their first half heroics and in fact it was the visitors who were on top of the play; and they'd take advantage of this strong start after only a minute. Free summer transfer, Hanno Behrens at hand to take advantage of another goal mouth scramble to reduce the hosts lead to two.
Christian Streich's side metaphorically hadn't returned from the changing rooms and after another five minutes the game was completed turned on its head as the away side were afforded the opportunity the half the deficit. A rather questionable decision by the referee to award der Club a penalty after a mix between Guido Burgstaller and Christian Günter; perhaps making up for the two earlier decisions in the favour of the hosts. Alessandro Schöpf sending the 'keeper the wrong way to add some real spice to a game that had looked all but over after ten minutes.
The second goal in a matter of minutes seemed to wake up the before dreary SC Freiburg. The hosts stemmed the tide of play and began to trouble the away side once more and with their first meaningful attack of the half they'd all but end any thought of a Nürnberg comeback. Maximilian Philipp cutting in from the left and beating Kirschbaum for the fifth time in the match so far.
Freiburg score twice late on to seal the deal
The young Berlin born striker was from then on full on confidence and around the 70th minute mark tried the spectacular. However the striker, being deployed on the left flanks effort was just wide.
Any remaining hope of a comeback from the visitors was finally quashed in the 84th minute as they were reduced to ten men. Dave Bulthuis receiving his marching orders for dissent, the sixth of his career. To top of a remarkable game, the hosts took advantage of the dismissal on the stroke of the final whistle as Julian Schuster with his virtually first touch of the game got enough contact on a long throw from Frantz to beat Kirschbaum.
After the perfect return to the 2. Bundesliga, SC Freiburg travel to 1860 Munich next time out, for the defeated Nürnberg a home clash against FC Heidenheim awaits.