Gregoritsch glows as Freiburg secure their Europa League fate in style
Tonight's 5-0 thumping of Greek side Olympiakos ensures Freiburg will contest a Europa League knockout tie in the new year.
With Group A big-hitters West Ham in hot pursuit, Christian Streich's outfit knew they had to maintain their top form tonight against Olympiakos. With flair in the air, Freiburg did just that as Michael Gregoritsch led the way with a stunning first-half hattrick.
The Austrian international turned home Eggestein's 3rd minute cross holding of ex-Leverkusen defender Retsos in the process. Five minutes later he nodded home Ritsu Dōan's corner, only to complete the hattrick after the half-hour mark rising highest to head Makengo's delivery home.
Streich's target man wasn't finished just yet. He turned provider for Sildillia to pull the trigger for 4-0 before the interval despite the best attempts of Paschalakis.
Dōan would add the final touches in the 77th minute on what was a dominant evening for the Breisgauers. The winger pounced on Junior Adamu's pass to rattle the net with a left-footed drive. Freiburg will head to London for a final meeting with West Ham to decide who tops Group A ahead of the knockout round draw.