Freiburg on a Röhl in five-star victory over Bačka Topola
Returning to Europa League action tonight, it was Christian Streich's Freiburg who hosted Serbian side Bačka Topola. The Breisgauers ran out 5-0 winners to remain atop the summit of Group A.
Met by stern early resistance from the Serbian club's organised defence, Freiburg finally made their dominance count in the 24th minute. Maxi Eggestein retrieved possession on the right and crossed for Merlin Röhl in a central position. The 21-year-old made clean contact but was somewhat fortuitous to see the ball bounce off a grassy divot and over Ilić's hand.
Röhl came close to his second of the half in the 38th minute. The opportunity presented itself when Grifo's effort ricocheted off Djordjevic into the young German's path. His first time snapshot would cannon back out off Ilić's upright. Sildillia would also be denied before the break by Topola skipper Antonic's goal-line block.
Half-time substitute Aleksandar Cirkovic warmed the hands of Atubolu upon the restart. That would be the closest the visitors came to scoring in the end. Freiburg established a 2-0 lead when Eggestein intercepted, played a swift give and go with Grifo, and fired fired home.
The electric Noah Weißhaupt was a thorn in Topola's side all night. His goal finally came as he cut inside Djordjevic to curl past Ilić at the far post. Adding the final touches was bench impacts Junior Adamu and Ritsu Dōan who picked out the right and left corners respectively. A thumping 5-0 win that ensured all three points.