Recap
Freiburg delivered a dominant 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Friday night, with Vincenzo Grifo and Ritsu Dōan both scoring twice after Kiliann Sildillia’s spectacular acrobatic opener. The win extended Freiburg’s impressive form under new coach Julian Schuster, who has now guided them to four consecutive Bundesliga victories.
Match Summary:
- Goals:
- 1-0: Sildillia (15′) – A bicycle kick from a Grifo corner broke the deadlock.
- 2-0: Grifo (33′) – A brilliant free-kick curled into the bottom corner.
- 3-0: Grifo (57′) – A volley from close range, assisted by Höler.
- 4-0: Dōan (76′) – A precise finish, assisted by Dinkçi.
- 5-0: Dōan (90’+2) – A calm stoppage-time finish, assisted by Beste.
Freiburg came into the match in excellent form, having won their last three league games, and were looking to extend their dominance at home, where they had won seven out of ten games this season. Werder Bremen, on the other hand, were hoping to recover from two consecutive defeats.
Key Moments:
- Sildillia’s Stunner: In the 15th minute, Freiburg took the lead with a dazzling bicycle kick by Sildillia, following a corner from Grifo.
- Grifo’s Free-Kick: Grifo doubled the lead with a superbly taken free-kick in the 33rd minute, leaving Bremen’s goalkeeper, Michael Zetterer, no chance.
- Penalty Save: Bremen had a chance to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a penalty in the 39th minute after a handball by Sildillia. However, André Silva’s effort was expertly saved by Freiburg’s goalkeeper, Noah Atubolu.
- Freiburg’s Second Half Dominance: Grifo scored his second in the 57th minute, making it 3-0. Despite Bremen’s attempts to shift momentum with substitutions, Freiburg continued to press and added two more goals through Dōan.
- Dōan’s Double: The Japanese midfielder scored twice in the second half, first in the 76th minute and again in stoppage time, ensuring Freiburg’s comprehensive victory.
Player of the Match:
Ritsu Dōan was exceptional, contributing with two well-taken goals. His clever runs and creative movement made him a constant threat to Bremen’s defense, and his composed finishing in both of his goals highlighted his quality.
Bundesliga Match Facts:
- xGoals: Freiburg 2.62 – Bremen 1.27
- Fastest Player: Justin Njinmah (Bremen) – 34.97 km/h
- Lowest Goal Probability: Sildillia’s 1-0 goal (15.8%)
- Most Pressed Player: Romano Schmid (Bremen) – 35 times
- Pass Efficiency: Matthias Ginter (Freiburg) +1.03
Freiburg’s attacking prowess was on full display, with standout performances from Grifo, Dōan, and Atubolu. The win not only boosted Freiburg’s position but also reaffirmed their strong home form as they continue their impressive season.