Freiburg survive feisty Bochum affair as Gregoritsch stars again
After Thursday night's win over West Ham in European action, Freiburg travelled to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion to take on VfL Bochum. Christian Streich's side fought off immense pressure to win 2-1.
The first half of action passed by in a relatively quiet manner aside from the opening goal. Rutsu Dōan fired an early warning shot in the 24th minute as he cut inside and tested Manuel Riemann.
Little could be done by the veteran Bochum goalkeeper in the 36th minute however. Gregoritsch cushioned Sildillia's cross to the right of the box and Maxi Eggestein fired decisively to the net. Aside from a Kevin Stöger effort that whistled left of Atubolu's goal, the hosts had been largely quiet in attack.
Philipp Hofmann replaced the injured Tim Oermann after the interval. But the Breisgauers' Thursday night hero featured again in the 53rd minute. Michael Gregoritsch rose highest to latch onto Doan's delivery and direct his header home. Bochum halved the defecit in the in swift succession as momentum swung in their favour. Stöger picking up his 7th assist of the season as Ordets nodded past Atubolu at the front post.
Thomas Letsch's forces continued to apply pressure as best they could. Takuma Asano and substitute Goncalo Paciencia led the offensive sprees on occasion. With a barrage of Bochum deliveries into the final third, ex-Freiburg man Kevin Schlotterbeck couldn't guide his header on target. Streich's side hanging on to secure the win.