Modeste rescues point for Hoffenheim at Freiburg
Freiburg - SC Freiburg extended their unbeaten run at home to three games after drawing 1-1 with Baden-Württemberg rivals 1899 Hoffenheim.
Schmid on target
With both clubs too close to the relegation zone for comfort, plus south-western bragging rights on the line, the match began intensely, with thumping tackles and fast-paced pressing the order of the day. That condensed the play into the middle of the park for the majority of the first half and neither side came close to breaking the deadlock prior to the break, although the visitors looked more likely to break the deadlock. Indeed, Felix Klaus' 36th minute shot was the only effort the hosts had on goal in the first 45 minutes, compared to Hoffenheim's nine shots.
More goals had been scored in matches involving Hoffenheim this season (81 in total) than any other team, so it was perhaps inevitable that the tie was not destined to end goalless. Freiburg had struggled for creativity all game, but Admir Mehmedi still managed to wriggle his way free down the left wing before bearing down on goal and squaring the ball for Jonathan Schmid to prod in from close range.
Sejad Salihovic fizzed a free kick narrowly over the bar in the closing stages as the guests pushed for an equaliser, and their pressure eventually paid off as Anthony Modeste curled a delightful effort around Freiburg keeper Oliver Baumann to secure his side a point. It was a welcome goal for the Frenchman, who had gone 593 minutes (almost ten hours) without netting in the league. The draw was of little use to either side, however, as they look to move away from the drop zone.
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