Freiburg's quickfire first-half double ends Hoffenheim unbeaten streak
Two goals in three first-half minutes proved enough for Freiburg to record a first Bundesliga win of the season on Matchday 7, Christian Streich's troops beating Hoffenheim by a 3-2 scoreline at the Schwarzwald Stadion to end the visitors' unbeaten record.
Freiburg 3-2 Hoffenheim
Goals: 0-1 Hack (14'), 1-1 Niederlechner (15'), 2-1 Söyüncü (18'), 3-1 Stenzel (87'), 3-2 Schuster o.g. (90+1')
Despite a midweek Europa League defeat in Bulgaria, Hoffenheim started enterprisingly and took the lead through a fine, near-post finish from debutant Robin Hack. Conceding early, however, sparked winless Freiburg into life: from the resultant kick-off the Black Forest side worked the ball wide, Christian Günter's cross finding Florian Niederlechner, who made no mistake with a powerful finish. Three minutes later, the hosts were ahead, Caglar Söyüncü heading home from inside the six-yard box. The Hoffenheim defence was all at sea by this point, and a dominant Freiburg should have extended the lead before the break, but neither Söyüncü nor Julian Schuster could steer their headers on target.
With Florian Grillitsch on in place of Lukas Rupp, Hoffenheim made a purposeful start to the second period. It was a first-half substitute, Philipp Ochs, however, who enjoyed Hoffenheim's best chance, his volley drawing a fine save from Alexander Schwolow, before Kevin Vogt nodded the resultant corner wide. As the game opened up, both sides began to find more space on the break and Pascal Stenzel's low drive increased Freiburg's advantage in the closing stages. Hoffenheim pushed back and although Schuster's injury-time own-goal led to some nervy moments for the hosts, Streich's troops held on by the skin of their teeth to record a first win of the season.
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Man of the match
Niederlechner has now scored two of Freiburg's four goals this season and was again impressive against Hoffenheim. The striker's powerful running caused plenty of problems for the visiting defence, while he took his chance in style, sending a powerful finish on the turn past Baumann.
Line-ups
Freiburg: Schwolow - Lienhart, Schuster (c), Söyüncü - Stenzel, Günter - Frantz (Petersen, 69'), Höfler - Haberer, Terrazzino (Ravet, 52'), Niederlechner (Kath, 84')
Coach: Christian Streich
Hoffenheim: Baumann - Nordtveit, Vogt (c), Hübner - Kaderabek, Geiger, Rupp (Grillitsch, 46'), Zuber (Schulz, 65') - Kramaric, Hack (Ochs, 42') – Wagner
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Watch: Florian Niederlechner on Freiburg's win
