The setting was a gem of a stadium: tucked into a residential neighbourhood, with only the main stand roofed, red and blue wooden seats, an athletics track, and a marathon arch rising over the opposite side. As the autumn light fell across the pitch before kick-off, Bologna’s home ground had an atmosphere befitting a European evening.

“It’s always something special playing Europa League games at night,” said Vincenzo Grifo beforehand – and he was in the starting line-up. Also among the eleven were Johan Manzambi, Philipp Treu and Philipp Lienhart. Treu replaced the injured Lukas Kübler, Manzambi played behind the striker in place of Eren Dinkci, and Lienhart returned in central defence after illness.

Freiburg’s defence was tested from the start as Bologna pressed high and with intensity. Schuster had warned of their aggressive, man-marking style, and his players soon felt it. SC were often harried into rushed passes and turnovers, though the Italians didn’t fashion a real chance until the 17th minute, when Santiago Castro’s drive from the right-hand side hit the side netting.

Bologna strike first

Five minutes later, Freiburg carved out their first opening. Lienhart’s header from Treu’s cross flew over the bar, before Manzambi had the best chance of the half: Niklas Beste’s corner was flicked on at the near post by Eggestein, finding Manzambi free in the box, but his shot was cleared off the line (23’).

Bologna were more clinical. In the 29th minute, a low ball from the left was driven sharply towards goal by Nicolò Cambiaghi. Atubolu failed to hold it, and Riccardo Orsolini reacted quickest to tuck home the rebound for 1-0. With the lead behind them, the hosts controlled the rest of the half.

Adamu levels from the spot

Schuster brought on Derry Scherhant for Grifo at half time, and Freiburg looked sharper after the restart. Osterhage won the ball in midfield and released Scherhant, whose shot was turned behind for a corner. From the set piece came a moment of drama: as Lienhart’s effort was saved, replays showed a Bologna defender had handled the ball. After a VAR review, referee Nenad Minakovic pointed to the spot. Adamu stepped up and slotted home confidently to make it 1-1 (57’).

SC had the upper hand now, playing with more energy and purpose. Beste’s corners continued to trouble the hosts – one almost flew straight in (65’). Soon after came a double chance: Manzambi intercepted and fed Scherhant, who was denied by Skorupski. Beste followed up, but the keeper saved again (69’).

Open contest to the end

Freiburg were often that half-step quicker to the ball, but Bologna remained dangerous. Jens Odgaard shot wide from distance, before substitute Dinkci volleyed over with his first touch at the other end (75’).

The Italians then rallied in the closing stages, pinning SC back into their own half. Atubolu parried a shot from the edge of the box, but this time no one was on hand to turn in the rebound (86’). That proved the last clear chance of a fiercely contested game. Freiburg held firm to take a deserved point, cheered on by the travelling supporters who applauded them off at full time.

“The team took on a big challenge today and stood up to it,” said Schuster afterwards. “The boys defended together and didn’t let Bologna get into their heads. We couldn’t quite put the icing on the cake, as we had the better chances in the second half – but overall it was a strong performance.”

Next up, before the international break, SC Freiburg travel to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday evening (19:30 CEST).

Photo: De Fodi/Marco Steinbrenner