Vincenzo Grifo downs Augsburg again as Freiburg match record start
Freiburg secured a convincing 3-1 win over Augsburg with Vincenzo Grifo the star again, seeing his side equal their best-ever Bundesliga start under new coach Julian Schuster.
Freiburg 3-1 Augsburg
Goals: 1-0 Grifo 34’ (assist: Dinkçi), 2-0 Lienhart 37’ (assist: Grifo), 3-0 Günter 45+1 (assist: Dōan) 3-1 Tietz 65’ (assist: Claude-Maurice)
Freiburg entered the match with the opportunity to match their best-ever start to a Bundesliga season, having won four of their opening six games. Augsburg, on the other hand, were looking to build on their recent victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach and improve their away form, having lost their last six Bundesliga matches on the road.
Freiburg's first-half blitz
The match began with both teams cautiously feeling each other out, but it was Freiburg who gradually took control. The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Vincenzo Grifo showcased his class. The Italian international received the ball on the left, exchanged passes with Eren Dinkci, and then curled a sublime right-footed shot from 20 meters out into the bottom right corner, leaving Nediljko Labrović with no chance. The goal, struck at an impressive 110 km/h, ignited the home crowd and set the tone for what was to come.
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Lienhart and Günter extend the lead
Freiburg's dominance continued, and they doubled their lead just three minutes later. Grifo, once again at the heart of the action, delivered a pinpoint corner kick into the box. Philipp Lienhart rose highest at the near post and expertly flicked a header into the net, leaving the Augsburg defence stunned. The home side's relentless pressure paid off once more in first-half stoppage time. Christian Günter, not to be outdone by his teammates, unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike from almost 28 metres out. The ball flew past Labrović and nestled in the right corner, capping off a sensational first-half performance by Freiburg.
Augsburg's second-half response
Augsburg manager Jess Thorup responded to the first-half onslaught by making two changes at the break, bringing on Henri Koudossou and Alexis Claude-Maurice. The substitutions seemed to inject new life into the visitors, who began to show more attacking intent. Their efforts were rewarded in the 65th minute when Phillip Tietz found the back of the net. Arne Maier's cross from the left was controlled by Claude-Maurice, who laid it off to Tietz. The striker showed great composure, taking his time before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner, giving Augsburg a glimmer of hope.
Freiburg hold firm
Despite Augsburg's improved performance in the second half, Freiburg managed the game well and maintained their two-goal cushion. The hosts made several substitutions to shore up their defence and control the tempo of the match. Augsburg had a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit further when Dimitrios Giannoulis found himself in a promising position inside the box, but Noah Atubolu made a crucial save to preserve Freiburg's lead. As the final whistle approached, it became clear that Freiburg's first-half masterclass had laid the foundation for a well-deserved victory.
Player of the Match: Vincenzo Grifo
Vincenzo Grifo was undoubtedly the standout performer in Freiburg's impressive victory. The Italian international's influence on the game was immense, as he scored the opening goal with a sublime finish and provided the assist for Lienhart's header. Grifo's vision, technique, and ability to create chances were on full display throughout the match. His performance not only guided Freiburg to victory but also continued his remarkable record against Augsburg, having now contributed to seven goals in his last five matches against them.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xG: Freiburg 1.2021 - Augsburg 0.7654
Fastest player: Eren Sami Dinkci (Freiburg), 34 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-0 by Christian Günter (Freiburg), 2.39 percent
Most pressed player: Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Eren Dinkçi (Freiburg), +0.89
Fantasy Heroes: Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg, 327 Points), Philipp Lienhart (Freiburg, 303 Points), Christian Günter (Freiburg, 234 Points)
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