Freiburg 2-0 VfB Stuttgart
Goals: 1-0 Ito (o.g 37'), 2-0 Schade 72' (assist: Demirovic)

After a slow start, both sides were limited to half-chances for much of the first half, with Freiburg creating the better of the opportunities. Vincenzo Grifo, looking for his fifth goal of the season, found himself in a perfect position for the opener but skied his attempted volley. Maximilian Eggestein sent an effort just wide, with both sides struggling to test the opposing keepers. Stuttgart tried to hit back and were awarded a penalty with Alexis Tibidi going down in the box, only for VAR to overturn the decision. In the play that followed, Freiburg found themselves in front. Sublime pressing deep into Stuttgart half allowed the ball to fall to the battling Lucas Höler, laying it off for Nicolas Höfler to shoot from outside the box – with his effort deflected by Ito and into the net.

In the second half, Mark Flekken finally made his first save of the game, saving well from Sasa Kalajdzic’s header after a neat cross from Borna Sosa. But Stuttgart continued to struggle at the back and their woes were compounded further as Schade doubled Freiburg’s lead. A loose ball confused the visitors, allowing Ermedin Demirovic to head through to Schade – with the 20-year-old tucking the ball past Florian Müller to score his third of the season. Moments later, Wooyeong Jeong’s header was just off target with the hosts shutting up shop for the remainder of the match to secure their first victory in the Bundesliga in over a month.

SCF Freiburg Freiburg - VFB Stuttgart VfB Stuttgart

Shades of brilliance from Schade as Freiburg sink Stuttgart