Relegation candidate Hertha BSC has won an important and deserved point at SC Freiburg. Freiburg’s Schmid helped to equalize.
Vincenzo Grifo (52nd) put Freiburg in the lead on Saturday (April 1st, 2023) in a 1-1 (0-0) win against Hertha BSC with a direct free kick. In the 77th minute, Freiburg’s Jonathan Schmid was the last man to play a back pass too short. Hertha’s Jessic Ngankam sprinted in between and scored to make it 1-1.
For the Berliners, it was the first point gained abroad after eight bankruptcies in a row, but they still remain in relegation place 16. Despite the draw, Freiburg remain on course for the Champions League as fourth in the table, increasing the lead over RB Leipzig to two points . They are unbeaten in seven games and haven’t lost in 12 games at home.
Kevin-Prince Boateng in Berlin’s starting eleven
The 34,700 spectators in the sold-out Freiburg stadium saw a Berlin starting line-up that changed six positions compared to the previous game at TSG Hoffenheim (1:3). Kevin-Prince Boateng started from the start for the first time since matchday one. According to coach Sandro Schwarz, the veteran should give the team support.
In fact, the Berliners made a stable impression in the early stages, especially in the duels the guests were very present. For a long time there was no chance for the offensively inaccurate Freiburgers. Lucas Höler only caused a little danger in the 27th minute.
Dodi Lukebakio misses a great opportunity
After this scene, the SC increased the number of strokes, but the best chance in this phase was missed by the Belgian Dodi Lukebakio with a header (32nd). Hertha deserved the goalless draw at the break.
Shortly after the start of the second half, a direct free kick gave Freiburg the lead. Grifo shot low and not particularly hard, but the deflected ball slipped through the arms of Hertha goalkeeper Oliver Christensen.
Flekken saves against Lukebakio
Shortly thereafter, Lukebakio, who broke through, had the equalizer on his feet, but the attacker failed at Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken (56th). Just three minutes later, SC striker Höler cleared his own goal line with a header, Lucas Tousart had headed in from close range.
After 66 minutes Boateng had to vacate his place for Suat Serdar. After that, the encounter finally developed into an open exchange of blows. Hertha took a risk, Freiburg countered. There were chances for both sides, but only substitute Ngankam scored.
Freiburg twice against the record champions
On Tuesday at 8.45 p.m. Freiburg will be fighting FC Bayern away in Munich for a place in the DFB Cup semi-finals. Only four days later, the Breisgau team will face the Tuchel team again – this time at their home stadium in the Bundesliga (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.). Hertha BSC receives RB Leipzig three hours later.