Unplugging the Slump: Freiburg's Triumph Over Mainz
In a thrilling twist of events, SC Freiburg shook off their mini-slump, handing FSV Mainz 05 their first defeat under new coach Jan Siewert. Thanks to a 69th-minute goal from Michael Gregoritsch, Freiburg claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory, lifting their spirits and moving them up to the coveted eighth spot in the Bundesliga table with 18 points.
The home crowd of 30,300 spectators witnessed an entertaining battle, despite Mainz's disappointing eight-point tally, which keeps them lingering in the relegation territory.
The visitors showcased their mettle, as they recorded one win and three draws under Siewert after his successful debut, replacing Bo Svensson in November. However, desperation was evident in Mainz's performance, as they were searching for that elusive breakthrough.
Injury-stricken Mainz began the match without regular goalkeeper Robin Zentner, forcing Daniel Batz to make his second Bundesliga appearance between the posts after almost a decade shifting from one side to another. Batz, who first donned the Freiburg jersey, finding himself in the adversary's net, was quickly under the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Freiburg's youngster Noah Atubolu garnered attention, saving his side from conceding early on a header from Ludovic Ajorque. Atubolu also thwarted Brajan Gruda's attempts. Ajorque had a blunder moments earlier when he dribbled just over Freiburg's bar from only five meters.
The visitors provided quite a spectacle, investing in possession, leading to several promising chances. Ritzu Doan shot wide of Batz's goal, and Gregoritsch rattled the post shortly afterward, ensuring a goalless first half.
Despite their efforts, Mainz suffered a setback when central defender Matthias Ginter was forced out due to an injury after just 24 minutes. Replaced by Manuel Gulde, Mainz had to regroup and showed perseverance, but the transformative goal would elude them.
Freiburg seized the opportunity and caught Mainz off-guard in the 69th minute. With a bit of luck, Gregoritsch got the ball in the box, and with unyielding determination, he delivered a low shot that left Batz stunned and the corner of the net shaking.
With only minutes left, Freiburg threw caution to the wind, attempting to equalize. Yet, it was all to no avail, as Siewert's newly-minted champions held on to their narrow advantage.
In the Coach's Corner
- Freiburg's resurgence under coach Jan Siewert has transformed the team, as they moved up the Bundesliga ranks, surpassing other clubs like 1. fsv mainz 05, formerly from Rhineland-Palatinate.
- Coach Siewert started his tenure with Mainz on a promising note, ending Bo Svensson's erratic run, as he grabbed four wins, three draws, and four losses in his debut championship.
- The visitors had an impressive stint in the Europa League, making a powerful statement with a 5-0 thrashing of Olympiakos Piraeus, boosting Mainz's morale before the Bundesliga tie.
[Freiburg's impressive form also earned them a 36-point tally in the latest Bundesliga standings, placing them in the coveted fifth spot, while Mainz trailed behind with a 35-point tally in the 6th position.][3]
Leaving no stone unturned, Freiburg triumphantly rose from the ashes of their earnings crisis, instilling confidence in their Bundesliga campaign. Furthermore, they managed to neutralize Mainz's momentum, adding another feather to their cap in the exciting German soccer scene.
Footnotes
[1]
[3] As of the latest Bundesliga standings update on February 17, 2025, SC Freiburg and FSV Mainz 05 are in the following positions:
- SC Freiburg: 5th place with 11 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, accumulating 36 points from 22 matches.
- FSV Mainz 05: 6th place with 10 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, accumulating 35 points from 22 matches.
These standings reflect the positions after Freiburg's win in their previous match, which helped them inch closer to the top six teams in the league. ()
