Late heroics earn group winners Freiburg a draw against Olympiacos
Lukas Kübler's goal in the 93rd minute gave Freiburg a massive point against Olympiacos on Thursday night. The Breisgau club were named group winners after Nantes defeated Qarabag to end the Greek side's European dreams.
Having already secured a spot in the Europa League knockout stage, Freiburg were hoping to lock up their group and gain some confidence on Matchday 5. A loss was all but certain before Lukas Kübler's header from a corner in the 93rd minute to earn Freiburg a huge point.
Freiburg dominated possession early and looked far more threatening on the offensive end. But, against the run of play, Olympiacos took the lead in the 17th minute through captain Youssef El-Arabi after their first real chance on goal.
The Greek side should've added a second from a rapid counter with Georgios Masouras getting around Mark Flekken, but he could only find the side netting. Even with Freiburg consistently pouncing around the penalty box, they failed to create many decent opportunities on the Olympiacos goal.
The game stayed 1-0 heading into halftime, as Olympiacos sat deep in their half with the Breisgau club circling. None of the late efforts from Nils Petersen and Matthias Ginter found the back of the net with Olympiacos keeper Alexandros Paschalakis standing strong.
Olympiacos then received several yellow cards due to time wasting and Freiburg finally broke through. Kübler deservedly drew the game level in the 93rd minute with a superb header.
Cards were flying left and right with Olympiacos defender Ousseynou Ba getting sent off after a push in the box during a tense final few minutes.
The final whistle blew and Freiburg received their first draw after four straight wins to start the campaign. Christian Streich's side face struggling Schalke on Sunday before wrapping up the Europa League group stage away to Qarabag next week.