Freiburg vs Stuttgart - Reactions from the fan scene
Home supporters were in a joyous and jubilant mood after seeing their side turn a game on its head that showed signs of ending disastrously after Ermedin Demirovic gave the travelling Stuttgart a 1-0 lead after just 84 seconds.
Fans were quick to point out the impeccable response after going a goal behind.
“I thought the reaction was perfect”, said one SC Freiburg supporter.
“The drinks break really helped. We seemed to gain back some control after fifteen minutes or so, and then the break completely changed things. We passed the ball a lot quicker and showed lots of energy.”
Individuals were also keen to emphasise how this energy did not let up as the match continued.
“We had one or two good chances to score at the end of the first half, and I was really happy to see that this energy did not stop in the second half.”
“Grifo, Röhl and Doan were excellent, obviously Doan got on the scoresheet, but I think the other two also definitely deserved to.”
Freiburg did manage to take the lead in the 54th minute after Ritsu Doan stabbed the ball home after a scramble with Alexander Nübel and Frans Krätzig after a period of control and fantastic impetus that did not let up until the latter stages of the match, with Lukas Kübler adding a third for the hosts from a corner in the 61st minute.
Stuttgart supporters immediately highlighted the need for calmness after just one game, despite the disappointing showing on the road.
“It's disappointing, the first period of the game we were in complete control. Then once Freiburg equalised we looked like a completely different team.”
“It is only one game, we are a good team on paper and you could see from the opening minutes that the quality is there, so I don't think it is time to panic. But it is concerning how we lost control after dominating the early stages.”
With a defence hampered by injuries, VfB struggled to cope with the non-stop energy of Freiburg, whilst Atakan Karazor looked a shadow of himself in midfield with partner Angelo Stiller filling in for the injured Anthony Roualt at centre back.
“We have to wait and see once we have our squad fully fit, I think there are still positive signs to take from the first fifteen to twenty minutes, but obviously very disappointing to lose after being in a comfortable position early on.”
Freiburg now begin preparations for an away fixture against Bayern Munich, whilst VfB Stuttgart turn their attention to the DFB Pokal, where they face Preußen Münster on Tuesday evening.