bundesliga

Freiburg survive late pressure to best resilient Heidenheim

08.02.2025

Freiburg secured another hard-fought 1-0 victory over Heidenheim, with Vincenzo Grifo's header proving the difference in a closely contested Bundesliga clash at the Europa-Park Stadion which saw them claim back-to-back Bundesliga wins.

Freiburg 1-0 Heidenheim
Goals: 1-0 Grifo 30’ (assist: Dōan)

The home side, under the guidance of Julian Schuster, entered the match buoyed by their recent victory over Bochum, looking to build momentum and push towards the European spots. Heidenheim, led by Frank Schmidt, found themselves in a precarious position, occupying the relegation play-off spot and desperate for points. Notably, Freiburg's recent signing and former Heidenheim star, Jan-Niklas Beste, started on the bench, adding an intriguing subplot to the encounter.

Patrick Mainka of Heidenheim and Lucas Höler of Freiburg duel for the ball, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

First Half: Freiburg Edge Ahead

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both teams sizing each other up. An early setback for Heidenheim saw Jonas Föhrenbach forced off due to injury, replaced by Marnon Busch in the 20th minute. Freiburg gradually began to assert themselves, creating the first real chance of the game. Philipp Lienhart ventured forward from defence, setting up Eren Dinkçi for a shot that narrowly missed the target. The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Ritsu Dōan showcased his skill, beating his marker down the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cross. Vincenzo Grifo met it with a well-timed run, heading home from close range to give Freiburg a 1-0 lead. The goal injected life into the match, with Heidenheim pushing for an equaliser before the break, but Freiburg held firm. The intensity of the game was reflected in the yellow cards shown to Benedikt Gimber and Maximilian Eggestein in the latter stages of the first half.

Freiburg players huddle in celebration after Grifo's crucial goal. - IMAGO/JOERAN STEINSIEK

Second Half: Heidenheim Press, Freiburg Resist

The second half saw a shift in momentum as Heidenheim came out with renewed vigour. Their increased attacking intent nearly paid off when Omar Traoré unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that rattled the left post, serving as a wake-up call for Freiburg. The hosts responded with their own spell of pressure, with Dōan coming agonisingly close to doubling the lead, his left-footed effort from inside the box striking the crossbar. As the match wore on, both sides had opportunities to change the scoreline. Heidenheim's Budu Zivzivadze forced a good save from Noah Atubolu with a close-range header, while at the other end, Junior Adamu, on as a substitute, tested Kevin Müller. The final minutes were tense, with Heidenheim throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser. Paul Wanner's powerful long-range effort in stoppage time had the Freiburg faithful holding their breath, but Atubolu was equal to it, tipping the ball over the bar to preserve Freiburg's slender lead until the final whistle.

Freiburg had to defend well as Heidenheim put a flurry of crosses into the box in an attempt to draw level. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

Player of the Match: Ritsu Dōan

Dōan was the standout performer in Freiburg's hard-fought victory. The Japanese international's influence was felt throughout the match, most notably in his assist for Grifo's winning goal. Dōan's ability to create space and deliver precise crosses caused constant problems for the Heidenheim defence. His work rate was impressive, covering significant ground and winning crucial battles in midfield. Dōan's performance was not limited to attack; he showed great defensive awareness, helping Freiburg maintain their lead under pressure. His shot that struck the crossbar in the second half nearly capped off a perfect individual display.

Dōan looked to cause problems for Heidenheim every time he got on the ball. - DFL/Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Freiburg 1.3 - Heidenheim 0.59
Fastest player: Sirlord Conteh (Heidenheim), 35.38 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg), 54 percent
Most pressed player: Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Nicolas Höfler (Freiburg), +2.47

Fantasy Heroes: Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg, 281 Points), Philipp Lienhart (Freiburg, 230 Points), Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg, 212 Points)