Ahead of the first game of 2022, Christian Streich admitted: “the break did us some good”. It was only a short break for SC, but they were able to recharge their batteries. “Winning our last game before Christmas meant for a relaxing festive period. I really enjoyed the 11 days off because I wasn’t thinking about anything football-related. We were on 29 points and were in a very good position, which allowed us a bit of peace and quiet and a good feeling going into this game.”

The coaching staff had to replace two regular starters for this match due to Coronavirus infections. Nico Schlotterbeck and Mark Flekken caught Corona during the winter break, as well as Kiliann Sildillia. Bejamin Uphoff started in goal and Kevin Schlotterbeck replaced his brother in the starting XI. The Freiburg defence didn’t have much to do at the start of the game, as it was instead the SC attack which was on the ball in the opening minutes. Jeong tested Stefan Ortega with the keeper coming out on top in the first battle. However, following Freiburg’s third corner within the first ten minutes, Haberer’s volley left the Bielefeld keeper powerless. The volley went right into the bottom corner, and after six minutes Freiburg had a 1-0 lead. Streich was of course happy with the start his side made to the match: “It was a difficult game for us. We did well early on and took the lead.”

Bielefeld brave, Freiburg more threatening

Sport-Club were in control of the game but were lucky that Alessandro Schöpf did not take advantage of a poor Schlotterbeck pass in his own penalty box and make it 1-1 (13’). “All good, keep going,” was Streich’s response from the touchline following this nervy moment. At the other end there was a similar situation just three minutes later. Sebastian Vasiliadis tread on the ball and left Jeong with a free shot on goal, but he only found the woodwork. Shortly afterwards, Vincenzo Grifo shot just wide from a free kick 20 yards out before Andrés Andrade tested Benjamin Uphoff from a tight angle but the keeper tipped the effort over the bar. Both sides had their chances, and although Freiburg’s lead was deserved, Bielefeld were playing well and had further opportunities through Okugawa and Vasiliadis.

The best chances were falling to the hosts, however. A Grifo cross found the head of Roland Sallai, and an incredible Stefan Ortega save was required to deny Freiburg’s second. He then produced another good stop to prevent Sallai once again. Just as he was last time out, the keeper was Bielefeld’s best player.

Lightning-quick start, but then the momentum of the game started to swing

 Just seconds into the second half, Freiburg made it 2-0. Günter’s cross from the left-hand side was flicked on by Jeong into the goal, and Ortega could do nothing to stop the effort this time. SC kept pushing after scoring their second and their next chance fell to Nicolas Höfler, who had a go with a volley from 25 yards but was denied by Ortega (57’). “We had another good chance after going 2-0 up,” explained Streich after the game, but instead it was Arminia who got one back against the run of play. Okugawa was unchallenged as he fired low from the edge of the penalty box and into the Freiburg net. The goal game the visitors a boost, and DSC started to press more and were more determined, and it seemed to intimidate Freiburg. Streich noticed that from the touchline and encouraged his team loudly: “Keep going, lads! Keep going!”

The visitors remained the more attacking side in the closing stages, and Bryan Lasme had a huge opportunity for an equaliser in the 85th minute. Alone in the SC box, a last-ditch defensive action from Manuel Gulde was required to deny the Arminia player. Two minutes later, however, Bielefeld did find their equaliser. Lasme converted from a tight angle as the ball rolled under the arms of Uphoff and into the net. Arminia remained dangerous for the rest of proceedings, and looked the more likely side to win than the hosts. Two dropped points for SC Freiburg, and the team were very disappointed: “We conceded from nothing. Bielefeld then had a taste for it and we weren’t strong enough on the ball. In summary, our performance today wasn’t enough. We need to learn to live with the point. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s a real shame,” summarised Streich.

Freiburg take part in the first game of matchday 19 on Friday night at Borussia Dortmund.

Photos: Achim Keller