Borussia Dortmund demolish Freiburg to boost European hopes
Borussia Dortmund secured a crucial 4-1 away victory against Freiburg on Matchday 28 to boost their European qualification hopes at the expense of a direct rival.
Freiburg 1-4 Dortmund
Goals: 1-0 Adeyemi 34’, 2-0 Chukwuemeka 51’ (assist: Beier), 3-0 Guirassy 68’, 4-0 Gittens 78’ (assist: Ryerson), 4-1 Eggestein 88’ (assist: Dōan)
The clash between Freiburg and Dortmund at the Europa-Park Stadion was billed as a crucial encounter in the race for European qualification. The teams entered the match separated by just four points in the table, with Freiburg looking to end a four-game winless streak and Dortmund aiming to build on a return to victory in their last game. The home side had to cope with the absence of their first-choice goalkeeper Noah Atubolu due to injury, while Dortmund were without the suspended Yan Couto and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Adeyemi breaks the deadlock
The match began with both teams showing intent, but it was Dortmund who took control. Their dominance was rewarded in the 34th minute when Karim Adeyemi broke the deadlock. The Germany international showcased his clinical finishing, bringing a loose ball under control inside the box before firing past Florian Müller from a tight angle. Adeyemi's strike, his fourth of the season, gave Dortmund a deserved 1-0 lead at half-time.
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Dortmund run riot
Freiburg came out fighting in the second half, with Ritsu Dōan forcing a spectacular save from Gregor Kobel immediately after the restart. However, Dortmund quickly reasserted their dominance. In the 51st minute, Carney Chukwuemeka doubled the lead with a deflected effort from the edge of the area. The floodgates opened as Serhou Guirassy, who came on as a substitute in the 61st minute, added a third in the 68th minute, finishing off a brilliant team move. Ten minutes later, substitute Jamie Gittens put the icing on the cake with a well-placed header, making it 4-0 to the visitors.
Freiburg's consolation
Despite the scoreline, Freiburg continued to push forward and were rewarded with a consolation goal in the 88th minute. Maximilian Eggestein found the net with a well-struck effort, but it was too little, too late for the home side. The match ended 4-1, a scoreline that reflected Dortmund's dominance and clinical finishing throughout the encounter. Niko Kovač's tactical approach paid dividends, while Julian Schuster's Freiburg were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
Player of the Match: Carney Chukwuemeka
Chukwuemeka emerged as the standout performer in this crucial encounter. Making his first start for Dortmund, the young midfielder showcased his immense potential. Chukwuemeka's goal early in the second half was a turning point in the match, effectively putting the game beyond Freiburg's reach. Beyond his goal, he demonstrated his all-round abilities, winning 16 challenges - the highest for Dortmund - and playing a key role in the team's dominant midfield performance. His energy, vision, and technical skills were instrumental in Dortmund's fluid attacking play, making him a deserving Man of the Match.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Freiburg 1.64 - Dortmund 3.37
Fastest player: Jamie Gittens (Dortmund), 35.88 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-2 by Carney Chukwuemeka (Dortmund), 3.6 percent
Most pressed player: Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg), 34 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Waldemar Anton (Dortmund), +4.78
Fantasy Heroes: Carney Chukwuemeka (Dortmund, 297 Points), Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg, 300 Points), Ramy Bensebaini (Dortmund, 214 Points)
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