There was something of a record set as the game got underway: SCF chose the same starting XI as which started their last game, but a third different coach on the sideline in as many games. With Christian Streich testing positive for COVID-19 during the week, Patrick Baier took charge of the Europa League win against Nantes. Unfortunately, though, he also tested positive on Friday morning, meaning he was unable to travel to the capital – video analyst Lars Voßler was therefore chosen to lead the team on the sideline for matchday nine in the Bundesliga.

The 46-year-old, who had previously taken on the chief coaching role for two games at the start of the 2018/19 season, saw his side make a fast start. Following a poorly cleared free kick, Hertha goalkeeper Oliver Christensen had problems with a driven cross from Christian Günter and was only able to deal with it at the second opportunity (3’).

Even if the league table might not have shown it ahead of kick-off, this game was a clash between the two clubs with the longest unbeaten runs in the Bundesliga – Hertha had not lost their last four games, whilst SCF were six matches without defeat.

Ginter celebrates milestone

Following that first potential error from Christensen, the near-2000 SCF fans in the away end saw the home side create their opening chance. With 14 minutes gone, Dodi Lukebakio’s effort from outside the penalty area was low, but did not trouble Mark Flekken in the Freiburg goal. At the other end, Günter found Michael Gregoritsch in the middle with a high cross – the Austrian, recovering from a bruised pelvis for the game, was unable to direct his header on target (16’).

In front of over 40,000 spectators in Berlin, Matthias Ginter celebrated a career milestone: the game was his 79th in an SCF shirt, but his 300th in the Bundesliga.

On 22 minutes, Ginter was able to celebrate with the rest of his team as they took the lead: After having an attempt from a Ritsu Doan cross saved, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh was given the ball back by Doan, and this time able to finish his second chance from short range. As the team wheeled away in celebration, Ginter jogged up the pitch to join them – it was Kyereh’s third goal in a week.

Despite their apparent defensive vulnerabilities, the home side created several chances going forward. Stevan Jovetic was involved in one such chance after 27 minutes, but could only find the side netting from Marvin Plattenhardt’s cross.

Lukebakio equalises from the spot

Another dangerous free-kick from Jovetic gave the home side a chance to equalise. Günter was adjudged to have handled the cross, and referee Robert Schröder pointed to the spot. Lukebakio made no mistake from 12 yards to make it 1-1 on 34 minutes.

Not long later, Chidera Ejuke had a chance to give the Berlin side the lead. Played through by the lively Lukebakio, the Nigerian winger rounded Mark Flekken before only being able to find the side netting from a tight angle. The closing stages of the first half saw SCF very much on the back foot – the half time whistle came as some blessed relief.

Both teams re-emerged from the tunnel unchanged and with fresh attacking impetus. With some good Hertha counter attacks suppressing them, Freiburg kept more players back to defend against the home team and Lukebakio in particular. “The threat Hertha posed on the counter was really dangerous,” commented Voßler after full time.

Gregoriitsch misses, Serdar scores

SCF, as they often do, posed a threat from set pieces: Gregoritsch was well placed to retake the lead for his side following a Vincenzo Grifo free-kick, but missed (60’), and that miss was punished. Suat Serdar led a charge up the other end immediately, and his shot from outside the box found the corner to give Hertha the lead.

With 20 minutes to go, Nils Petersen and Kevin Schade came in for Grifo and Gregoritsch, and they made a real impact. 78 minutes were on the clock when Günter’s rather harmless cross was spilled by Christensen. The ball found its way to Schade, who squeezed the ball through a sea of legs to make it 2-2 and send the away end wild.

Höler makes his comeback

The travelling fans received yet more good news with four minutes to go, as Lucas Höler made his way onto the pitch for the first time this season after breaking his foot. The striker’s first involvement was a defensive one, though, clearing off the line. It was a fine sight to see him and his teammates make their way over to the away end and thank the fans for their support after the final whistle.

In the post-match press conference, Voßler said: “I’m happy with the point; it feels good today. It was a complicated match and I think we did well in the first half – the second half was just about keeping pace with them. I think it’s great that the team found a way and deserved the 2-2 draw.”

Another match on Thursday is on the cards for Freiburg, as they travel to Nantes for matchday four of their Europa League group stage.

Photo: Ottmar Winter