FC 08 Homburg came from behind to beat SC Freiburg II 2-1 in the German Regionalliga at the Waldstadion on 18 October 2026. Markus Mendler’s equalizer shortly before half-time and Fabian Eisele’s second-half winner turned a difficult afternoon into an important home victory.

Match overview

Freiburg II started with the confidence of a side comfortable in possession, moving the ball quickly through midfield and asking questions of Homburg’s defensive shape. The young visitors took the lead midway through the first half and briefly looked in control. Homburg, however, responded with greater intensity and physicality, pressing higher and forcing Freiburg II into rushed decisions.

The equalizer just before the break changed the mood inside the Waldstadion. Homburg carried that momentum into the second half, scored the decisive goal just after the hour mark, and then defended with discipline to secure all three points.

Key moments

• 19th minute – Freiburg II take the lead: Luca Petry found space on the edge of the box and placed a low shot beyond the Homburg goalkeeper.
• 41st minute – Homburg equalize: Markus Mendler arrived late in the box and converted a cut-back with a composed first-time finish.
• 67th minute – Homburg go ahead: Fabian Eisele attacked a deep cross and headed powerfully past the Freiburg II goalkeeper.
• 84th minute – Crucial save: Homburg’s goalkeeper made a strong stop from a close-range effort to protect the lead.

Tactical story

SC Freiburg II looked to build patiently from the back, using their midfield rotation to create passing angles. Their early goal came from a moment of quality, but as the game progressed, Homburg’s aggressive pressing forced them into more direct play. Homburg’s 4-2-3-1 shape was compact without the ball and direct in transition, with Mendler finding space between the lines.

The home side’s set-piece threat proved decisive. Both goals came from situations where Homburg managed to put the Freiburg II defence under pressure, and their willingness to attack crosses was the difference in a tightly contested match. In the final 20 minutes, Homburg dropped deeper and defended their box well, limiting Freiburg II to shots from distance.

Standout players

Markus Mendler was influential throughout, linking midfield and attack and scoring the equalizer that shifted the momentum. Fabian Eisele provided the winning goal and worked tirelessly against Freiburg II’s centre-backs. Homburg’s goalkeeper also deserves credit for a late save that preserved the result.

For Freiburg II, Luca Petry impressed with his movement and finishing, while the midfield showed composure in possession. However, the visitors lacked the physical edge in both boxes and were punished from set pieces.

Regionalliga impact

The win lifts FC 08 Homburg in the Regionalliga standings and gives them confidence ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. SC Freiburg II remain a dangerous side with plenty of technical quality, but this defeat underlines the importance of game management in away matches. Homburg’s comeback also strengthens their home record and adds another memorable result to their season.