Duel with West Ham for group victory
The previously unlucky Michael Gregoritsch ended his goal drought with a hat trick and secured SC Freiburg’s place in the Europa League over the winter. The Austrian international scored against Olympiacos Piraeus on Thursday in the third, eighth and 36th minutes to make it 5-0 (4-0). They were his first goals for the sports club this season in his 15th competitive game. He also prepared Kiliann Sildillia’s goal (42′). Ritsu Doan scored the final point (77th).
With their fourth win in their fifth game, Freiburg are already securely in the knockout phase before the final group game against West Ham United. In London on December 14th, the two clubs will fight for group victory, which would mean direct entry into the round of 16.
The Freiburg team should travel to England’s capital, but also to the next Bundesliga game on Sunday (3:30 p.m./DAZN) at FSV Mainz 05, with a great deal of self-confidence – thanks to the dream start against Piraeus. Gregoritsch was right on a deflected cross and cleverly put his body past Panagiotis Retsos. After many missed opportunities this season, the 29-year-old ended his negative run.
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Even before the game, strike partner Lucas Höler had strengthened him. “At some point his knot will burst. We know what strengths Gregerl has,” Höler encouraged his teammate. And just five minutes after taking the lead, Gregoritsch showed off his strengths for the second time on this rainy evening. This time he was there with a header from a corner.
The Greeks reacted with shock. Only with a win could they have kept their chance of progressing, but the guests lacked precision in the final third. The Freiburg team controlled the game in front of 34,000 spectators and celebrated again after Gregoritsch’s third goal.
But the first half was still not over. The Freiburgers now combined to play happily through the now very holey defense until Gregoritsch found the free Silidillia – 4-0. Coach Christian Streich rubbed his eyes in amazement at the next gala on the European stage. Most recently, the sports club also beat Backa Topola 5-0.
The hosts shifted down a gear after the break due to their clear lead and Streich decided to rest some top performers after just over an hour – Gregoritsch was also farewelled with much applause.
Hardly anything happened in the penalty areas. Freiburg did not do more than necessary and were no longer in trouble against the 47-time champions of Greece, who were inferior in all respects. Doan set the final point in a one-sided game.
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