SC went into the away match against Bochum making just one change to the team that lost against Eintracht Frankfurt, as Kevin Schade, who signed a contract extension during the week, came back into the starting XI for Manuel Gulde, and this meant that Freiburg returned to a 4-4-2 formation.

Bochum also made one personnel change to the team that lost to Bayer 04 Leverkusen last weekend. Gerrit Holtmann replaced Christopher Antwi-Djei on the left wing.

Lively start in Bochum

Christian Streich had commented on how cool Bochum’s stadium was in the build up to the game, and looking at it from the perspective of an away team, you could already tell what a good atmosphere the VfL fans create by the time Herbert Grönemeyer’ famous hit “Bochum” had finished.

The last time Thomas Reis’ side conceded a home goal was in the middle of September, a stat which was almost wiped out just two minutes into the fixture, as Lucas Höler almost managed to get his body in the way of Bochum keeper Manuel Riemann’s clearance, before Freiburg had further chances through Wooyeong Jeong (9’) and Kevin Schade (11’).

Both teams were trying to play open, possession-based football and took risks when it came to their build-up play, and an exciting match quickly developed. Bochum were finding success on the counter attack after dispossessing Freiburg and charging down the wings on several occasions, but none of Sebastian Polter’s crosses ever found a target in the penalty area.

SC became livelier in the middle of the first half and created a string of chances. Shortly before half time, Kevin Schade had a go from close range (43’) and Nico Schlotterbeck fired a volley onto the post (45’) in what were SC’s best chances of the game so far.

Early second-half strikes

The game was goalless come half time, but it was clear by the start of the second period that both sides were keen to break the deadlock. SC took a deserved lead in the 51st minute when Philipp Lienhart rose highest to head home Vincenzo Grifo’s free-kick and put Freiburg 1-0 up.

But it was a lead which didn’t last long. Freiburg gave possession away cheaply in midfield and Sebastian Polter popped up to draw Bochum level just three minutes after the away side had gone ahead (54’).

SC almost replied to this reply straightaway themselves. After Kevin Schade won back possession in the Bochum box, Manuel Riemann had to do very well to deny Lucas Höler who was all alone (59’). Two minutes later, the keeper was helpless in stopping Nico Schlotterbeck’s header, but luckily for him, the ball was kept out of the net by the post.

Freiburg defeated by a wondergoal

A crazy phase of play was to follow in a game which was being stopped much more frequently due to little fouls and players picking up knocks here and there. In the final fifteen minutes, the match resumed its electrifying pace that had been seen in the first half. Some nice link-up play sent Christian Günter thorugh on goal, but he spurned his chance to regain the lead for his side as Riemann saved the defender’s effort (74’).

 The game was up for grabs going into the closing phases and unfortunately for the away side, the game did end up swinging in the direction of Bochum. Philipp Lienhart unluckily slipped whilst trying to clear a Bochum long ball and Mark Flekken was very far out of his goal and could only watch as Milos Pantovic scored from over 45 yards out to give the hosts the lead (82’). This proved to be the final goal of the match after SC missed a decent chance in the third minute of injury time and were unable to turn the ball home from close range.

Following this unfortunate away defeat, SC are on the road again for their next fixture as they face Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday (17:30 CET).