The miracle didn’t happen: SC Freiburg missed the hoped-for sensation against Juventus Turin and was eliminated from the Europa League.
Coach Christian Streich’s team also lost the round of 16 second leg against the big favorites unluckily 0:2 (0:1), so in front of 33,240 spectators the big dream of making it into the round of the top eight was shattered.
Dusan Vlahovic with a hand penalty (45th) and Federico Chiesa (90th + 5) scored for the ripped-off traditional Italian club, Freiburg did not use their few real chances.
After a yellow-red card for Manuel Gulde (44th), the Breisgauer had to chase the deficit even outnumbered.
The Bundesliga club lost the first leg a week ago in Turin 0-1 – and then hoped in vain for a miracle at home.
“We gave so much, but also had a bit of bad luck in the decisive moments,” said attacker Michael Gregoritsch on “RTL +”: “It was a great game for us, only the goal was missing. That hurts.”
Sending off and penalties put Freiburg on the losing side
“We have to be brave, but we mustn’t be naïve,” Streich said before the game. And even without the top scorer Vincenzo Grifo, who surprisingly only sat on the bench until the 62nd minute, the home side tried to put Turin under pressure. Freiburg fought, threw themselves into every duel – as always Gulde against Juve attacker Vlahovic – and then was really good in the game.
Matthias Ginter caused danger for the first time with a header after a corner (22nd). Just five minutes later, Freiburg were lucky that an alleged goal by Vlahovic was not given due to an offside position according to the video evidence.
Shortly before the break, the video evidence caused a stir again, referee Serdar Gözübüyük watched the scene again on TV in which Gulde got a shot from Federico Gatti – and decided on a penalty. In addition, the Dutchman Gulde showed the yellow-red card. Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken was still on the ball for the penalty kick, but Vlahovic’s shot was too powerful.
Ten Freiburgers don’t give up
With a lot of anger in their stomachs, the Freiburg team tried everything again and ran. Michael Gregoritsch (57th) quickly had a huge chance, but Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny was able to block the shot.
Overall, however, the guests allowed little, Juve acted cleverly and – in the style of an Italian team – defended stable and disciplined. So the miracle didn’t happen.