Freiburg edge seven-goal spectacular despite Dženan Pejčinović hat-trick for Wolfsburg
Vincenzo Grifo became Freiburg's highest scorer of all time in the Bundesliga as they won 4-3 at Wolfsburg in a dramatic Bundesliga clash in which Dženan Pejčinović hit a hat-trick for the beaten hosts.
Wolfsburg 3-4 FreiburgGoals: 0-1 Treu 5' (assist: Suzuki), 1-1 Pejčinović 13' (assist: Wimmer), 2-1 Pejčinović 49', 2-2 Grifo 56' (pen.), 3-2 Pejčinović 69' (assist: Wimmer), 3-3 Seelt 71' (o.g.), 3-4 Scherhant 78' (assist: Manzambi)
Wolfsburg entered the encounter in form, and with Daniel Bauer's appointment as permanent head coach confirmed ahead of kick-off following an impressive spell as interim coach. Freiburg, meanwhile, had struggled on their travels, failing to win away from home since a 3-0 victory at Werder Bremen in September.
First-half fireworks
The visitors stunned the Volkswagen Arena by taking the lead after just five minutes. Yuito Suzuki cut inside from the left before laying the ball off to Philipp Treu, who smashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner for his first Bundesliga goal in his 45th appearance.
Wolfsburg responded well to the early setback and drew level eight minutes later when Patrick Wimmer won possession high up the pitch before releasing Pejčinović, who fired home from a tight angle for his first Bundesliga strike. Freiburg came agonisingly close to regaining the lead in the 27th minute when Suzuki's powerful effort from the edge of the box struck the inside of the post after good work from Manzambi.
Goal-fest continues
Julian Schuster introduced Grifo at half-time, and the change proved crucial. Wolfsburg initially took control when Pejčinović capitalised on a dreadful error by Noah Atubolu, who passed straight to the striker, allowing him to slot into an empty net. Freiburg's response was swift, with Grifo converting from the penalty spot after Jenson Seelt brought down Lucas Höler. The Italian's 70th goal in the Bundesliga for Freiburg makes him the club's all-time record scorer in the German top flight.
Pejčinović completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute after being set up by Wimmer once again, only for Seelt's misfortune to continue as he bundled the ball into his own net just two minutes later. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when substitute Derry Scherhant fired into the top corner following good work from Johan Manzambi, securing Freiburg's first away win in three months in spectacular fashion.
Man of the Match: Dženan Pejčinović
Despite ending up on the losing side, Dženan Pejčinović had a day to remember. The 21-year-old striker, who had never previously scored in the Bundesliga, netted a remarkable hat-trick. Pejčinović opened his account with a fierce strike from a tight angle before capitalising on a goalkeeping error for his second. His third goal, a well-placed finish after being set up by Wimmer, temporarily gave Wolfsburg a 3-2 lead. The forward took all five of Wolfsburg's shots and covered an impressive 12.4 kilometres during the match, the most of any Wolfsburg player.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Wolfsburg 1.82 - Freiburg 3.91
Fastest player: Yuito Suzuki (Freiburg), 34.33 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-4 by Derry Scherhant (Freiburg), 3.2 percent
Most pressed player: Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Christian Eriksen (Wolfsburg), +5.22
Fantasy Heroes: Dženan Pejčinović (Wolfsburg, 564 Points), Patrick Wimmer (Wolfsburg, 298 Points), Johan Manzambi (Freiburg, 241 Points)
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