Streich surprised a few people with his first starting XI after the recent international break. Maximilian Philipp and Noah Weißhaupt were handed their first starts in the league of the season. Streich had said after the break that they “had worked their way closer towards the team.” Nicolas Höfler returned from suspension to take his place alongside Maximilian Eggestein in midfield. Weißhaupt, who showed throughout the game why he deserved his place in the team, was involved in the first decent move of the afternoon. Vincenzo Grifo played a perfect ball in behind for him, however his cross was intercepted by a Bochum man.

The partnership of Grifo and Weißhaupt worked well down the left, with Bochum sitting back early on looking for chances to start a counter-attack. The first shot for either side came in the 12th minute from a VfL corner, which was flicked on at the near post to Bernardo at the back, who could only direct his header wide. A long ball by Bochum keeper Manuel Riemann led to the opening goal after a quarter of an hour. Asano switched the play with a cross for Paciencia, who took it on the volley on the edge of the box, timing it beautifully to pick out the bottom corner. It was a goal from nowhere, but Bochum were the side with the best chances to date.

Bochum continued to threaten the Freiburg goal and put together another good attack two minutes later. This time though, Matthias Ginter made a crucial clearance in the six-yard box. As things calmed down in the Freiburg half, SC managed to find an equaliser at the other end. Grifo and Weißhaupt were once again involved down the left, with the Italian whipping the decisive cross in. Ritsu Doan headed it on target and Riemann couldn’t keep it out (25’). This trio combined again for the next chance seven minutes later, however Doan couldn’t get Weißhaupt’s delivery under control in the box (32’). Weißhaupt himself said after the game: "I missed pre-season and had to work hard to get back to fitness. I’m pleased that I got to start today’s game.”

As Freiburg started to really control the game, Grifo lifted a ball that sat up nicely for him over the bar (36’). The Italian was perhaps lucky not to be sent off just before this chance after a bad challenge. “Those decisions are always touch and go. I can understand why Bochum were annoyed that he wasn’t sent off,” admitted Streich after the game.

Doan had a fine chance to give the home team the lead four minutes after that. Philipp Lienhart chipped a lovely ball over the Bochum back line for Doan, who could only guide his volley into the arms of the Bochum keeper (40’). Grifo was also denied by Riemann shortly afterwards (44’), but would get the better of him before the half-time break. Freiburg were awarded a penalty after Philipp’s shot was blocked by a VfL hand, and Grifo converted with a well-struck shot (45’).

SC close to a third goal, Atubolu on his toes

SC started the second half brightly with Noah Atubolu’s accurate ball to Weißhaupt looking like it would be promising, before former Freiburg defender Keven Schlotterbeck stopped the attack with a foul. The resulting free-kick led to a chance for Philipp Lienhart, though a potential goal would not have stood due to offside anyway (53’). Within the next two minutes, both Maximilian Eggestein and Roland Sallai wasted opportunities.

Instead of a third goal for Freiburg, it looked as if Bochum were going to equalise from nowhere. Christopher Antwi-Adjei was slipped behind the SC defence and was clean through, one-on-one with Noah Atubolu. He looked to bend a shot past him, but Freiburg’s number 1 made himself big to preserve the lead (57’). Just like in the first half, Freiburg continued to dominate the ball and the away team had chances on the break. One such example was in the 66th minute via Kevin Stöger. His attempt was tipped wide by Atubolu – another important save from the youngster. A 2-1 lead is always dangerous and Streich’s team therefore looked to add to their lead. Doan had two chances in one with 25 minutes left to play, firstly having his shot blocked by Schlotterbeck and then seeing Riemann deny him with his legs.

There were few chances to speak of in the closing stages, aside from in the 87th minute. Eggestein had a shot cleared for a corner, from which Gulde then narrowly headed wide. Atubolu and the Freiburg defence ensured they held on for the win, the fourth of the season. Up next is a Europa League game in Topola in five days. 

“We were brave today, however our positioning wasn’t always spot on. We were patient after going behind and got into good areas of the pitch. The move for the penalty was good, as was the attack for Ritsu’s goal. I thought we played well in the second half, but we weren’t clinical enough. We should have scored another goal, but we defended well and we’re delighted with the win,” explained Streich. 

Photo: Achim Keller