Status: 10/30/2022 7:26 p.m
Two goals from Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo inflicted another defeat on FC Schalke 04. The premiere of Thomas Reis, who lost seven of seven Bundesliga games this season as a result, also failed. Schalke remains last and SC Freiburg in third place.
It was the game of coach and mood contrasts. At his premiere on Sunday evening, Thomas Reis was the 16th Schalke coach in Christian Streich’s tenure as professional coach in Breisgau, which has lasted since 2012. And while the 57-year-old was concerned with maintaining his place in the top four, Reis has only one goal at Schalke this season: staying up.
Before that, the question arose as to what measures Frank Kramer’s successor would take to achieve this. He didn’t change anything when it came to what was probably the hottest personal issue, Alexander Schwolow stayed in Schalke’s case despite several mistakes during the season. On the other hand, there was a prominent innovation, second division striker Simon Terodde slipped out of the starting XI for Sebastian Polter – the striker was the guarantor of Bochum’s relegation last season with ten goals under Reis.
Schalke focused for 45 minutes – but too short
What was happening on the pitch was, as expected, not shaped by Schalke’s self-confidence. Freiburg controlled the game and had a huge advantage in terms of individual quality. As the game progressed, however, the hosts got into the game better and were able to launch more and more relieving attacks. Sport-Club still had the first chance, but Ritsu Doan shot too unplaced into Schwolow’s arms (25th minute).
But Kerim Calhanoglu had an even bigger opportunity, who volleyed just over the Freiburg goal a minute after being substituted on (36′). And then just before the half-time whistle the subject of individual class came up again. Vincenzo Grifo, known for his great shooting technique, got the ball on the edge of the penalty area, was not attacked, took measure and hit the far corner to make it 1-0 for Freiburg (45+1).
Vincenzo Grifo’s shot to make it 1-0 against Schalke 04
Image: Team 2/imago
Target shooting from Freiburg
In the 51st minute, Schalke let the Italian international dribble and shoot. Schwolow was able to save, but was lucky when Woo-jeong Jeong put the follow-up shot wide of the target. Shortly afterwards, Schwolow parried a header from Matthias Ginter, then Henning Matriciani blocked Lukas Kübler and a shot from Grifo just missed the corner (54′).
Freiburg pushed for the second goal, which Schwolow initially prevented with another save against Doan (59th). But after Calhanoglu fouled Jeong, Grifo took the next chance with a penalty and gave Freiburg a 2-0 lead (61′).
Krauss misses the chance for a bit of hope
At that moment at the latest, many became certain that Reis would also lose his seventh game as coach this season. Bochum had released him after six defeats from the first six games – and at Schalke there was no improvement for the time being. Freiburg played too confidently, Reis’ team far too harmlessly.
The question was how high the first Schalke bankruptcy would be for him. Schwolow had to prevent Kübler from conceding a third goal (74′). But Mark Flekken also had to show his class on the other side, the SC goalkeeper was there against Tom Krauss and prevented Schalke from getting close again (77th). And even with the last chance, a shot by Tobias Mohr, it was only partially dangerous (83rd).
Freiburg initially challenged internationally
On the final day of the Europa League group stage, SC Freiburg will play away at Qarabag FK (Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 at 6:45 p.m.).
At the end of the 13th matchday in the Bundesliga, the people of Breisgau will receive 1. FC Köln (Sunday, November 6th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.). Schalke have to go to Bremen a day earlier for the promotion duel (6:30 p.m.).
Source: sportschau.de