SCF have had a busy but successful recent schedule, picking up two wins and a draw from their last three games. The team went into the game missing several players who had either picked up knocks or who had tested positive for Coronavirus, with four squad members getting infected. This meant that the coaching staff had to make alterations to last week’s line-up – Keven Schlotterbeck replaced Philpp Lienhart (Coronavirus), and Niclas Höfler returned to midfield following his suspension in place of Maximilian Eggestein (Coronavirus). Lukas Kübler was suffering with some muscular issues, and so Jonathan Schmid came into the starting XI. Kevin Schade almost missed out today due to a muscular issue.

Grifo’s perfect free-kick

The game began with some intensity as both sides looked to get forward straightaway. Ermedin Demirovic & Co. got an early reward for their bright start when Vincenzo Grifo fired a free-kick into the top-left corner from 25 yards out to give Freiburg an early lead (7’). The action didn’t stop there, as Lucas Höler worked well on the by-line to set up Demirovic with a chance, and he struck the post. Wolfsburg also tried to create some opportunities, but in the opening 30 minutes of the game they were unable to fashion any clear-cut chances.

The match became a bit scrappier after the half-hour mark, and referee Petersen was forced to intervene on several occasions to break up bodies. SC Freiburg were resolute at the back and didn’t allow their guests any big chances, whilst Wolfsburg keeper Pavao Pervan was called into action in the 33rd minute, tipping Höler’s effort from the edge of the box out for a corner.  SC played tidily out from the back and got it forward quickly, which allowed Christian Günter a good opportunity in the 42nd minute, but his shot across the face of goal from a tight angle flew past the post. Freiburg were getting closer and closer to a second goal, and in the 44th minute they got it, as Höfler’s cross from the left wing perfectly picked out Grifo who finished coolly to double SCF’s advantage.

VfL score early in second half

SC were the better side during the first half, creating chances for themselves and taking a deserved lead. The Wolves, meanwhile, struggled to create anything of note during the first 45 minutes. After the change of ends, the visitors immediately found the back of the net with their first real chance on goal. Maximilian Arnold found an unmarked Max Kruse, who left Mark Flekken with no chance as he cut the deficit in the 52nd minute.

VfL had found their way into the game, but SC weren’t letting off the gas just yet. Demirovic found his way into space in the box after a pass from Grifo, but Pervan was able to parry it (58’). Just two minutes later, Grifo was involved in another counter-attack as Pervan denied Demirovic yet again (60’). Janik Haberer had a go from range following a corner, but his shot missed the target. SC were waiting to pounce when their opponents lost possession, but also needed to remain alert in defence.

Arnold nets the equaliser, Schlotterbeck issues immediate response

In the 67th minute, substitute Lucas Nmecha got on the end of a pass into the penalty box from Maxence Lacroix, but sent his shot over the bar. The Wolves were chasing an equaliser, as SC did their best to prevent them from finding space in front of goal. In attack, Höler worked hard to chase down every ball, earning applause from the home crowd each time.

The match drew to a dramatic close, as Wolfsburg scored the equaliser in the 85th minute. Arnold’s powerful effort sailed past Flekken to level the scores at 2-2 apiece. Just minutes later, Nico Schlotterbeck put Freiburg back in front (87’) with a rocket of a shot. Flekken then came up with a big save in the fourth minute of injury time to ensure that Freiburg kept all three points.

Photo: Achim Keller