Nils Petersen (l.) peels away after equalising against Stuttgart in an action-packed Baden-Württemberg derby
Nils Petersen (l.) peels away after equalising against Stuttgart in an action-packed Baden-Württemberg derby

Stuttgart and Freiburg share the points in dramatic derby

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Stuttgart - Baden-Württemberg rivals VfB Stuttgart and SC Freiburg were locked together in a dramatic 2-2 derby draw at the Mercedes Benz Arena on Saturday.

Petersen at the double

Daniel Ginczek and Martin Harnik struck within three first-half minutes, but Adam Hlousek's dismissal and a Nils Petersen brace in the second half salvaged Freiburg a point, maintaining the three-point gap between the sides.

Both teams meant business in a hectic opening which saw many of the tackles one might expect from a heated derby. Stuttgart settled first, though, with Harnik's effort palmed away by Roman Bürki. The Austrian then turned provider for Ginczek to open the scoring with his sixth goal in five games. Filip Kostic was a constant threat down the left and his determined run and low cross was met by Harnik at the near post to make it two.

Freiburg had more of a spring in their step at the start of the second half, but this also invited pressure as gaps opened up at the back. Harnik sneaked into one of them, but Bürki was quick off his line to pounce. Hlousek barred Jonathan Schmid's route to goal to gift Freiburg a lifeline, with Petersen converting from the penalty spot. Hlousek was sent off soon after and an indomitable Freiburg took full advantage, with Petersen grabbing an equaliser five minutes from time.

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