Heading into the match, head coach Christian Streich’s side were looking to surpass today’s opponents and move into third place. All they needed was a win. “That’s motivation for us,” Streich said during the pre-match press conference. The opening minutes showed just how motivated SC were, as they recorded two quick chances. They pressed Bayer hard, and rarely allowed them to leave their own half. “My hope for this last game was that we build on our performances, that the team work and play smart and with passion. They did that from the first minute, and kept it up for the full 90 minutes. We were very compact and strong in the tackles,” he said.  

Unlike the match in Berlin in mid-week, Freiburg started with a back four. As a result, neither Keven Schlotterbeck or Maximilian Eggestein were in the starting XI, with the latter replaced by Janik Haberer in midfield. Roland Sallai started at right wing, with the hosts recording the first shot on goal. Nico Schlotterbeck was denied at close range by Lucas Hradecky, before Lucas Höler also had a shot saved, all in the opening three minutes.  

Hradecky solid, Grifo with a cheeky finish 

Hradecky’s strong saves saw the match still deadlocked after the opening quarter of an hour. While Leverkusen looked to take advantage of a quick counter, Freiburg were looking to play their way through. The next chance fell to Christian Günter, as he took a shot from 17 metres out but sent it narrowly over the bar. Sallai then came close from a header, with Hradecky making a save on Nicolas Höfler to deny the hosts yet again (28’). The first chance for the visitors came in the 31st minute, as Höler made a crucial clearance within the five-yard box.  

After a handball in the box, referee Benjamin Cortus pointed to the spot. VIncenzo Grifo stepped up to take the spot-kick, having missed his last attempt against Hoffenheim, and cheekily chipped it into the middle of the goal (33’). Leverkusen were then lucky to equalise just before the break, as SC failed to clear a corner and Charles Aranguiz was able to tap in the leveller (45’).  

Two subs fire Freiburg to victory

The hosts enjoyed the best of the early going in the second half too. Fast pressing, corners and plenty of attacking football were on display, though the game was more even than in the first half. In contrast with the first 45, the majority of the game was played in midfield. Streich continued to urge his team on from the sidelines: “Keep going, lads! Good!” Grifo was responsible for the first shot in anger but he could only watch as his effort flew over the bar from 25 yards (66’).

It was, however, Freiburg who were on the front foot for the majority of proceedings. A tempting ball in from Kevin Schade could only find an opponent and the resulting corner was cleared by the backline. A corner for the Werkself led to a counter spearheaded by Höler, who played the ball into Schade. The forward outpaced two defenders but was brought down by a foul. The next attack proved more fruitful. The substitute Ermedin Demirovic crossed to the near post from the right wing, and Hradecky looked abnormally hesitant in goal. Schade snuck in to capitalise and force the ball over the line for a 2-1 lead (84’). A goal off the bench, and the winning goal!

"We played football and put in a great performance. I am really happy that we have managed to score a late goal ourselves and win the game,” said Streich with a smile. The Breisgauer occupy third place heading into the winter break with 29 points.

Photo: Achim Keller