Duel with West Ham for group victory
Previously unlucky Michael Gregoritsch ended his goal drought with a hat-trick and secured SC Freiburg’s place in this winter’s Europa League. The Austrian international scored against Olympiacos Piraeus on Thursday in the third, eighth and 36th minutes to make it 5-0 (4-0). They were his first goals for the sporting club this season in his 15th competitive match. He also prepared the goal of Kiliann Sildillia (42nd). Ritsu Doan scored the last point (77th).
With their fourth victory in their fifth match, Freiburg are already well into the knockout phase ahead of the final group match against West Ham United. On December 14 in London, the two clubs will fight for the group victory, which would allow them to advance directly to the round of 16.
The Freiburg team should travel to the English capital, but also for the next Bundesliga match on Sunday (3:30 p.m./DAZN) at FSV Mainz 05, with a lot of confidence – thanks to a dream start against Piraeus. Gregoritsch stood correctly on a deflected cross and intelligently placed his body in front of Panagiotis Retsos. After numerous missed chances this season, the 29-year-old ended his negative streak.
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Even before the match, his strike partner Lucas Höler had reinforced him. “At some point his knot is going to burst.” We know Gregerl’s strengths,” encouraged his teammate Höler. And just five minutes after taking the lead, Gregoritsch showed his strengths for the second time on this rainy evening. This time he was there with a header from a corner.
The Greeks were shocked. Only with a victory could they have preserved their chances of progressing, but the visitors lacked precision in the final third. The Freiburg team dominated the match in front of 34,000 spectators and once again celebrated Gregoritsch’s third goal.
But the first half was still not over. The Freiburgers then combined to play happily through the now very holey defense until Gregoritsch found the Silidillia free – 4-0. Coach Christian Streich rubbed his eyes in astonishment at the next gala on the European stage. More recently, the sports club also beat Backa Topola 5-0.
The hosts fell back after the break due to their clear lead and Streich decided to rest some of the top players after just over an hour. Gregoritsch also said goodbye to much applause.
Almost nothing happened in the penalty areas. Freiburg did not do more than necessary and had no further problems against the 47-time Greek champions, inferior in every respect. Doan scored the final point in a one-sided match.
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