bundesliga

Freiburg withstand late Wolfsburg surge in thrilling 3-2 victory

13.12.2024

Freiburg claimed a seventh Bundesliga win of the season after surviving a late Wolfsburg fightback to earn a 3-2 victory in the Matchday 14 opener on Friday.

Freiburg 3-2 Wolfsburg
Goals: 1-0 Kübler 42' (assist: Höler), 2-0 Kübler 51' (assist: Gregoritsch), 3-0 Gregoritsch 61' (assist: Dōan), 3-1 Wind 75' (assist: Baku), 3-2 Svanberg 83' (assist: Gerhardt)

The game began at a frenetic pace, with both teams creating opportunities. Wolfsburg's Mohamed Amoura had a golden chance in the 13th minute, but his effort was well saved by Noah Atubolu. Freiburg responded quickly, with Ritsu Dōan testing Kamil Grabara in the 17th minute. The physical nature of the match was evident early on, with Lukas Kübler and Michael Gregoritsch both receiving yellow cards for Freiburg in the first half.

Lukas Kübler celebrates after breaking the deadlock for Freiburg. - Daniela Porcelli

Kübler breaks the deadlock

As the first half was drawing to a close, Freiburg's pressure finally paid off. In the 42nd minute, Kübler capitalised on a corner kick situation, firing home from close range to give the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into the break. The goal was a just reward for Freiburg's persistent attacking play.

Michael Gregoritsch celebrates Freiburg's third goal. - IMAGO/Steven Mohr

Freiburg extend their lead

Wolfsburg made a change at half-time, bringing on Jonas Wind, but it was Freiburg who struck again early in the second half. Kübler doubled his tally and Freiburg's lead in the 51st minute, once again profiting from a corner to head home and make it 2-0. The home side's set-piece prowess was on full display, and they weren't done yet.

Freiburg's dominance continued, and they appeared to put the game beyond doubt in the 61st minute. Dōan provided an excellent cross, and Gregoritsch rose highest to nod the ball home, extending the lead to 3-0. The home crowd was in full voice as their team seemed to be cruising to victory.

Jonas Wind led Wolfsburg's attack as they mounted a comeback. - IMAGO/Darius Simka

Wolfsburg fight back

Just as the match seemed settled, Wolfsburg mounted a spirited comeback. Wind, who had been introduced at half-time, pulled one back for the visitors in the 75th minute with a well-placed finish. The goal injected new life into the Wolves, and they further reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute when Mattias Svanberg found the net with a spectacular acrobatic effort, setting up a tense finale.

The match was marked by intense physical battles throughout. - IMAGO/Steven Mohr

Freiburg hold on

The final minutes saw Wolfsburg push hard for an equaliser, but Freiburg's defence, led by the impressive Matthias Ginter, stood firm. Despite the pressure, including a late yellow card for Maximilian Eggestein, the home side managed to weather the storm, holding on for a crucial 3-2 victory.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Freiburg 3.78 - Wolfsburg 1.71
Fastest player: Christian Günter (Freiburg), 33.78 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-0 by Michael Gregoritsch (Freiburg), 6.73 percent
Most pressed player: Lucas Höler (Freiburg), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Yannick Gerhardt (Wolfsburg), +3.98

Fantasy Heroes: Lukas Kübler (Freiburg, 357 Points), Lucas Höler (Freiburg, 333 Points), Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg, 255 Points)