Gregoritsch grabs the winner as Freiburg defeat West Ham
Having already met twice earlier in Group A action, Christian Streich's side were re-drawn with West Ham tonight and ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of a Michael Gregoritsch goal.
| Freiburg's goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. | Photo: SC Freiburg/DFL |
It was a close and tense first-half with relatively little opportunities of note for either side. The pick of the bunch fell the way of Freiburg and Lucas Höler who tried his luck from 20 yards but Fabianski was alert to the danger.
The Claret and Blue visitors hit the post eight minutes after half-time. Ex-Stuttgart defender Mavropanos nipped in at the back post however Atubolu's goal was spared by the aluminium. The young German shot-stopper was spectacularly thrusted into the limelight again in 64th minute. Jarrod Bowen unfurled a rasping strike destined for the net but Atubolu's fingertips redirected the ball to safety.
David Moyes' side pushed hard for a leveller into the final 10 minutes. A healthy chunk of injury time was applied by the Spanish arbiter which produced a strong penalty appeal for the London-based club. The crowd waited nervously after Soucek flicked the ball onto Weißhaupt's outstretched arm in the box. However, the young winger was completely unaware and justice was served when the referee waved away the claim after a lengthy VAR review. The second-leg remains carefully poised for the Olympic Stadium next Thursday.