31st matchday
Outnumbered: Wolfsburg turns game in Freiburg
After falling behind, Wolfsburg prevailed in Freiburg. photo
© Tom Weller/dpa
SC Freiburg’s negative home series continues. In a turbulent final phase, the Streich team gave up a lead against Wolfsburg – and missed a penalty in the process.
The sports club, on the other hand, missed out on a sense of success in the seventh home game in a row. Only in 2013 did Freiburg have to wait longer for a three-pointer at home during coach Christian Streich’s tenure.
The hosts took the lead in front of 32,800 spectators with an own goal from Sebastiaan Bornauw (42nd minute). But after the sending off, Wolfsburg turned the game around. First, Maximilian Arnold converted a free kick (82′). Maxence Lacroix then scored from distance (90′). Shortly before, Freiburg’s Roland Sallai had missed a penalty kick (87th).
Nevertheless, the Freiburg team can still hope for a return to the international stage. Because seventh place, where they remain after 31 games, would entitle them to take part in the playoffs of the Conference League – assuming the new German champions Bayer Leverkusen also win the DFB Cup final against 1. FC Kaiserslautern at the end of May.
In addition, on the last three match days they play away at 1. FC Köln, at home against 1. FC Heidenheim and finally at Union Berlin – i.e. against teams that are placed behind Freiburg. SC coach Streich was aware of the importance of the game. “There’s still a lot at stake for us in the last four games,” he said. “We have to go into these games with a clear head. We’re not succeeding at everything football-wise at the moment – it’s been a difficult season, but we’re in such a good position.”
In terms of play, however, Freiburg made a significantly improved impression compared to last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against FSV Mainz 05. After just five minutes, Michael Gregoritsch hit the crossbar with a shot from the turn, and Vincenzo Grifo headed it onto the post (17th).
“I don’t have the impression that anyone is sitting back because we won against Bochum,” said VfL coach Ralph Hasenhüttl, describing his impressions during the week. However, his team didn’t give the impression that they were getting into the game well. The coach repeatedly put his head together with his son and assistant coach Patrick Hasenhüttl. However, their findings initially did not contribute to an increase in performance. Tiago Tomás missed the guests’ best chance (28th).
Wolfsburg’s passive demeanor invited Freiburg to create fine combinations. One of these moves gave us the lead shortly before halftime. Yannik Keitel found Ritsu Doan with an opening pass, who shot at the defending Bornauw.
After the break, substitutes Kevin Paredes and Patrick Wimmer gave Wolfsburg a little more momentum. However, VfL’s offensive efforts did not initially pose any great danger. Only the majority brought about the turning point. Arnold and Lacroix sealed the away win. Between the two Wolfsburg goals, Roland Sallai shot a controversial penalty well over the VfL goal because he slipped while taking it.