Article Rewrite:
Title: Gregoritsch Starring Again: Freiburg Triumphs Over subdued Cologne
Michael Gregoritsch, the Bundesliga's goal-scoring sensation, dealt another blow to 1. FC Köln's relegation fight with a late strike in Freiburg's 2-0 victory. Coached by Steffen Baumgart, the Rhinelanders' search for a third win of the season continued, leaving them 16th in the table before their Wednesday face-off with fellow strugglers 1. FC Union Berlin. Freiburg's home crowd of 34,700 watched as Christian Streich's team increased their unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga, scoring three times in succession and with Gregoritsch playing a key role for the third game in a row.
It was not until the 72nd minute that Gregoritsch, brought on earlier as a substitute, struck, and Roland Sallai sealed the deal in the 90th minute. While Freiburg dominated the latter stages of the game, Cologne struggled to find their footing, failing to show the kind of determination they exhibited at the start. Unsurprisingly, Köln lag behind other Bundesliga teams in attack, with only ten goals scored after 15 matches. Cologne also lost center-back Jeff Chabot to a yellow card shortly before the hour mark, further weakening their chances.
Freiburg’s ultras showed their frustration with the entry of foreign investors into German football by silent protest during the first fifteen minutes of the game. Chants and whistles echoed throughout the Europa Park stadium, and the referee ultimately halted play for five minutes due to the torrent of gold-colored chocolate thalers that rained down from the stands.
Initially keen to assert their dominance, Baumgart's team faltered once the Ultra fans' discontent settled. Freiburg captain Vicenzo Grifo had an opportunity to score in the 33rd minute but was just wide with his shot from the edge of the box. Exchanges between the two sides were labored as the first half drew to a close.
Freiburg head coach Streich had unexpectedly left Gregoritsch on the bench, and his team advanced as the match progressed. With Freiburg dictating terms and their defense solid around Matthias Ginter and Jordy Makengo, Chabot's dismissal and the introducing of Gregoritsch and Roland Sallai shifted the momentum in Freiburg's favor.
The scorer of the winning goal in the 1-0 victories against Mainz and Wolfsburg, now posed a new threat to the Cologne defense. Gregoritsch capitalized on the fact that Marvin Schwäbe was left unguarded, and Sallai secured the win in added time.
At the other end, a disjointed Cologne failed to mount a comeback, with captain Davie Selke and his colleagues non-existent in the second half. Club legend Lukas Podolski had voiced his concern earlier, stating, “if they lose twice, things will look bleak.”
Background Information:
The recent performances and current Bundesliga standings of both teams provide further insight:
- FC Köln:
- Recent Performance: A 2-1 victory against Hertha Berlin in the DFB Cup quarter-finals and a 3-0 thumping of Holstein Kiel in the second round.
- Current Standing: Unclear, as the article does not specify a current league standing for 1. FC Köln.
- SC Freiburg:
- Recent Performance: A 2-1 triumph over Hamburg in the second round of the DFB Cup and a thrilling 2-2 draw with Augsburg which was settled in a penalty shootout.
- Current Standing: Unclear, as the article does not specify a current league standing for SC Freiburg.
Source:
Enrichment Insights: With both teams still active in the DFB Cup, the focus this week shifts to their league standings. Late-season disappointments have left 1. FC Köln and SC Freiburg battling to avoid relegation. The sides will face each other's respective rivals in the upcoming games, with Freiburg facing 1. FC Union Berlin and Köln playing Hertha Berlin. The participation in the DFB Cup, though, means both teams will have one less match to play before addressing their league standings. In the Bundesliga, Köln has won only three times and is 16th, while Freiburg sits just above them in the standings due to their better goal difference.
