Before the top game against Bayern Munich, SC Freiburg has to struggle to get a draw at Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga.
On the 9th day of the Bundesliga match, Hertha BSC and SC Freiburg drew 2-2 (1-1) in the Berlin Olympic Stadium. Dodi Lukebakio (34th) and Suat Serdar (61st) initially turned a deficit through Freiburg’s Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (23rd) on Sunday (October 9th, 2022), before the guests managed to equalize through Kevin Schade (78th).
While Hertha are still in 14th place with eight points after the fourth draw in a row, Breisgau, who have been unbeaten in seven games, are initially at the top of the table with 18 points.
Hertha BSC with a lot of bite
After the recent series without defeat, Hertha BSC also started confidently against Freiburg. With high pressing and fast, no-frills forward play via the fast wingers Dodi Lukebakio and Chidera Ejuke, the hosts in the Berlin Olympic Stadium had the better chances to go forward in the early stages.
However, Freiburg had the clearer structure and better opportunities even without their coach Christian Streich, who was suffering from Covid, on the sidelines. Kyereh initially missed the lead from close range (22nd), but was only able to celebrate 60 seconds later. After strong preliminary work by Ritsu Doan, Kyereh only had to push a back pass from the Japanese over the line to make it 1-0 (23′). Freiburg’s 13th goal of the season was the tenth from a newcomer.
Lukebakio converts penalty kicks
But Berlin did not let the deficit deter them from their line. The hosts bravely attacked early on and relied on quick switching games. Above all, Lukebakio repeatedly presented the SC defense with problems. The Hertha player escaped from the right before the equalizer. His shot attempt jumped on the arm of Freiburg captain Christian Günter in the penalty area. Lukebakio converted the following penalty safely down the left to equalize (34th).
That gave Hertha BSC even more impetus. The Schwarz team still had two good chances to take the lead before the break through Ejuke (38′) and Jonjoe Kenny (42′). It then fell in the second round. Freiburg’s defense gave Serdar too much space in midfield. The Berliner moved through the center and completed the goal with a well-placed shot from 18 meters into the lower left corner to make it 2-1 (61st).
Inspired by the lead, the hosts stayed on the trigger. Hertha started tirelessly and switched quickly. Freiburg could hardly catch their breath – and could still be happy about the equalizer. Hertha goalkeeper Oliver Christensen misjudged a long free-kick cross and couldn’t get hold of the ball properly. Freiburg switched quickly and scored the 2:2 (78th) through Schade.
Freiburg first to Nantes, then against Bayern
SC Freiburg first has to play away at FC Nantes on matchday 4 of the Europa League group stage (Thursday, October 13th, 2022, 6:45 p.m.). In the Bundesliga, the Breisgauer are then required away on Sunday evening at Bayern Munich. Hertha BSC is a guest at RB Leipzig in the Saturday evening game the day before.