Freiburg survive late fightback to defeat Gladbach

Goals from Matthias Ginter and Igor Matanović had Freiburg in control at 2-0, and although Haris Tabaković’s 85th-minute header ensured a tense finale, it proved nothing more than a consolation.

Gladbach dominated possession in the early stages but struggled to turn that control into clear-cut chances, much to the frustration of head coach Eugen Polanski. Tabaković and Franck Honorat were largely isolated, with Freiburg’s defensive shape limiting space in the final third.

In contrast, Freiburg carried the greater threat. Jan-Niklas Beste tested the visitors before the breakthrough arrived seven minutes before the interval. A long throw caused uncertainty in the Gladbach box, with Kevin Diks inadvertently flicking the ball towards the back post where Matthias Ginter reacted sharply, acrobatically volleying home against his former club to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.

Gladbach’s attacking frustrations continued after the restart as Freiburg defended resolutely, prompting Polanski to make a triple substitution on the hour mark in search of momentum.

Freiburg almost doubled their advantage soon after when another long throw wreaked havoc in the area, falling kindly for Beste at the back post. However, Moritz Nicolas reacted superbly to produce a point-blank save and keep his side within touching distance.

The second goal eventually arrived in the 74th minute. Vincenzo Grifo slipped Maximilian Eggestein down the right, and the midfielder drilled a low cross into the six-yard box. Nicolas could only parry the ball into the path of Igor Matanović, who made no mistake from close range to put Freiburg 2-0 ahead.

To their credit, Gladbach responded with their best spell of the afternoon. Substitute Kevin Stöger delivered an excellent corner in the 85th minute, and Tabaković powered a header beyond Noah Atubolu after shrugging off Bruno Ogbus, setting up a nervy conclusion.

There was still time for one final opportunity. Deep into stoppage time, Wael Mohya muscled his way past a defender and squared for Tabaković, but the striker hesitated, allowing Christian Günter to produce a crucial, goal-saving intervention to preserve Freiburg’s lead.

It marked an impressive response from Freiburg following last week’s heavy defeat to Hoffenheim. The victory lifts them to seventh and extends their unbeaten home run in the Bundesliga to ten matches.

For Gladbach, it is now seven games without a win, leaving them 14th and just three points above the relegation play-off spot.