"I don't think there's anyone in the stadium that's happier than me right now," was what Höler told reporters after the game. His two goals against the Foals helped put SC on course for their sixth win of the season.

Michael Gregoritsch got the nod from head coach Julian Schuster to replace the suspended Patrick Osterhage, as the visitors assumed control over the opening minutes of the match. The Foals were able to carve out two solid chances for themselves during the opening minutes, as Lukas Kübler first scraped the ball away from Robin Hack from close range (4'). Just three minutes later, SC struggled to clear their lines and allowed Alassane Plea to get off a shot from inside the box – fortunately, his effort went just wide of the target.

SC slowly began to find their way into the game. A free-kick from Christian Günter was met by Höler, but he failed to generate enough power on his header (12'). As the match progressed, set pieces proved an effective way for SC to generate a threat on goal. The Foals had to resort to committing fouls around their own penalty box in order to keep SC from breaking through their backline.

SC take the lead shortly before the break

The hosts were unable to make the most of the two corners and a free kick they won in quick succession in the 27th minute. Two minutes later, Borussia goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas was able to intercept a cross before it could reach Höler. After what had been a strong start to the match from the Foals, SC had managed to start exerting their control over proceedings. Borussia remained a threat on the counter, however, with Plea darting into the box in the 34th minute and again only narrowly missing the target.

The Freiburg fans in attendance had cause to celebrate in the 41st minute as Höler managed to break the deadlock with his first goal of the season. Gregoritsch had first seen his shot saved by Nicolas, before Höler put the rebound past the keeper to make it 1-0 to SC. Three minutes later, Maximilian Eggestein had an opportunity to double SC's advantage, but saw his effort saved by Nicolas.

Blitzstart in Hälfte zwei

SC came out of the half-time break with plenty of energy and pace. Höler's shot was blocked by the Borussia defence, as the rebound was collected by Doan. After controlling the ball, Doan took aim at the far post and slotted the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0 (49'). Buoyed by their two-goal lead, SC came close to nearly adding a third in the 58th minute, but Gregoritsch's header only went over the bar.

Borussia were then able to get a goal back through Tim Kleindienst in the 61st minute, but the hosts were able to restore their two-goal lead just a minute later. Once again, it was Höler who would manage to beat Nicolas with a low shot into the far corner to make it 3-1. "Our third goal was very important because we prevented our opponents from finding their way back into the game," said Schuster.

Röhl makes his comeback, Weigl tests Atubolu

The match then started to be disrupted by several touchline discussions with the fourth official about the calls made by referee Robert Hartmann. The highlight during this period for SC came when Merlin Röhl was substituted on for his comeback following a foot injury (75'). Noah Atubolu was then called upon to keep out a shot from Julian Weigl (77'). The SC goalkeeper also kept out a header from Marvin Friedrich (80') before a deflected effort from Plea also went wide. Borussia were throwing everything they had into attack, but the SC backline remained strong.

Höler with a goalline clearance

Höler then proved his importance at the other end of the pitch, clearing the ball away from danger with his head from the goalline. The striker was taken off shortly after to a wave of applause from the fans and his teammates. "I'm very happy with the win and both of my goals. It was a deserved victory," Höler said. This sentiment was echoed by Schuster, "As expected, it was a tough match and it was important that we played with energy and passion, in addition to defending well against any counter-attacks from our opponents."

Photo: Achim Keller