Europa League
©IMAGO
SC Freiburg remained unbeaten in the fifth game of the current Europa League season, but missed out on a possible move to the top of the table. The Baden Bundesliga team couldn’t get past a 0-0 draw against six-time Czech champions Viktoria Pilsen. Five days after the 6-2 defeat at FC Bayern Munich, Freiburg were more stable defensively, but overall were too harmless offensively. They are still on course for the knockout rounds.
It was a pretty tough game for 30 minutes. The Freiburg team, whose coach Julian Schuster rotated in several positions as usual in the European Cup, had everything under control. Striker Junior Adamu, whose shot from the turn landed on the side netting, missed the only significant chance (18th minute).
But then the guests completely lost the thread. The Pilseners appeared dangerously in the Freiburg penalty area again and again in the minutes before the break. A goal from Rafiu Durosinmi was disallowed due to an offside position (38′). SC keeper Noah Atubolu had to intervene several times – including a tight low shot from Prince Kwabena Adu (43′). “We were lucky there,” admitted Freiburg’s sports director Klemens Hartenbach at the “RTL” microphone during the break. The 61-year-old was at least satisfied with his team’s first half hour.
After the break, the Breisgauer picked themselves up again. Substitute Igor Matanovic was denied by Pilsen goalkeeper Florian Wiegele (53′), while on the other side Amar Memic missed the 1-0 for Viktoria (61′).
SC coach Schuster tried to get more momentum into the game and substituted midfield gem Johan Manzambi, among others. The in-form 20-year-old was barely in the game when he tested goalkeeper Wiegele. He deflected Manzambi’s shot from the edge of the penalty area just onto the post (74′). Pilsen also appeared dangerously ahead again: Durosinmi’s direct shot was ultimately not a big problem for Atubolu (81′).