Gregoritsch strike gifts all three points to Freiburg
After a Thursday night triumph in European action, Freiburg turned their attention to a rapidly improving Mainz who, despite creating some excellent chances, succumbed to a 1-0 defeat as Michael Gregoritsch found the net again.
Despite the first half finishing on a scoreless note, the game was not short on action. The in-form Marco Richter caused plenty of threat down the wings for the hosts. Ajorque twice had opportunities to score inside the opening quarter however Atubolu was on his toes.
The Breisgauers eventually came to life as the half hour mark approached. Ritsu Doan was first to test Batz in goal, deputising for the injured Robin Zentner. Freiburg’s hattrick hero last time out, Gregoritsch came agonisingly close on two occasions with both his headed efforts clipping either upright.
Mainz resumed control swiftly after the restart. Once more Ajorque was proving to be a handful for the Freiburg rearguard. Van den Bergh’s shot on the hour perhaps the closest either team had come to breaking the deadlock. That was until Gregoritsch arrived on cue to make it 1-0. Collecting a pass from Rohl, the Austrian cushioned home to the bottom right corner from 12 metres out.
Mainz substitutes rolled on in a bid to save something with 15 minutes left. However, Barkok and Onisiwo could do little to wrestle control back off Freiburg. The former eventually hand his chance when he whipped an injury time corner into the Freiburg box. Fortunately for Streich’s side Hoefler was on hand to clear before Barreiro arrived.