SC Freiburg is the sensational leader after the fifth Bundesliga matchday. After falling behind, the Breisgauer won 3: 2 (0: 1) at Bayer Leverkusen.
Christian Streich put on his widest grin and patted goalkeeper Mark Flekken. The SC Freiburg coach was happy about the unexpected jump to the top of the table after the 3: 2 (0: 1) at Bayer Leverkusen. “Front runner, front runner” chants echoed from the Freiburg fan block, Streich didn’t really know what to do with his emotions and hugged almost every one of his players.
“There are worse things than being top of the table in the Bundesliga, I’ve heard worse news. It’s a sensational start to the season. We’re happy that we’re so effective,” said SC captain Christian Günter.
The fourth win of the season was achieved in the fifth game. In Leverkusen, who only celebrated their first success last week in Mainz (3-0), there is no peace after their fourth defeat. “He has our full backing and trust,” said managing director Simon Rolfes, backing his coach Gerardo Seoane: “Of course we’re disappointed. But Wednesday is a new competition and a new game. We have to keep training with concentration to improve things and then win the next game.”
Kerem Demirbay (16th) scored his first goal of the season for Leverkusen. National player Matthias Ginter (48th) equalized shortly after the break, Michael Gregoritsch (51st) turned the game around. After striker Patrik Schick (65th) equalized with his first goal of the season, Ritsu Doan (72nd) made the SC victory perfect. On Wednesday (9 p.m./DAZN) Bayer starts the group stage of the Champions League with FC Brugge with anything but good signs.
Leverkusen caught twice after the break
Somewhat surprisingly, Seoane initially did not rely on new signing Callum Hudson-Odoi, who Bayer loaned from Chelsea on Tuesday. The England international only made his debut in the 60th minute. “We always have to keep going and fight our way back,” said the Briton sky.
The first excitement in front of 26,853 spectators in the BayArena was caused by the early injury of Freiburg’s Roland Sallai, who had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after a duel with national player Jonathan Tah after minutes of treatment. “We hope it’s an eye bruise and nothing more. The doctor is optimistic, we don’t know for sure yet,” said Streich after the game.
In terms of sport, the game needed some time to pick up speed. But Leverkusen used the first offensive action directly: Demirbay switched fastest from the crowd and overcame Freiburg keeper Mark Flekken. Leverkusen, who played in a 3-5-2 system as in the previous week in Mainz, wanted to follow up immediately. The hitherto disappointing Schick hit the side netting moments after taking the lead (19′).
After that it was quiet for a few minutes both on the pitch and in the stands. Due to a medical operation in the north curve, both fan camps had stopped their support for a short time. As a result, it was Schick again who ran dangerously into the Freiburg penalty area. Flekken parried his direct acceptance strongly (35th).
Just before the break, Flekken was on hand to block a low shot from Moussa Diaby. In the corner that followed, the keeper was lucky with a deflected shot from the conspicuous Schick.
After the restart, the Leverkusen were caught twice ice cold. Not at all shocked, Leverkusen continued to play and was rewarded by Schick’s impressive header. But then Doan struck on the other side. The rest was jubilation on the Freiburg side.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen – SC Freiburg: The coaches’ voices
Gerardo Seoane (Bayer Leverkusen manager): “An annoying defeat for us. We played a very good first half. We were always good in the transition game, one or two goals would have been possible. We lose the game because we don’t defend two or three situations with the clarity we do in the first half. I saw a good performance today. No points this time, it’s disappointing.”
Christian Streich (Coach SC Freiburg): “First came Roland Sallai’s injury, which was a bit of a shock, then came the goal. We weren’t sure enough on the ball and didn’t get into the space well. Then two mistakes by Leverkusen helped us to take the lead with two standard goals It was a lucky win because Leverkusen had more chances. We’re currently doing well in terms of results. I can put that into perspective very well.”
Bayer 04 Leverkusen – SC Freiburg: The data of the game
