Santamaria own goal highlights Freiburg loss at Bielefeld
By Akhil Fisher @akhil_fisher
Arminia Bielefeld won their first match at the SchucoArena since January, when they last ousted VfB Stuttgart 3-0.
| Freiburg coach Christian Streich. | Photo: GEPA Pictures/Christian Schroedter/POOL via Picture Point |
It was the visitors who made a lively start, easing into possession. Rolland Sallai almost scored quarter half into the match when he met Santamaria’s deft low cross and edged it just wide of the post. Bielefeld later controlled proceedings and opened up Freiburg’s defence on a couple of occasions thanks to creative play on the right flank from inverted winger Ritsu Doan & striker Andreas Voglsammer.
However, Freiburg’s Florian Muller was ever-present between the posts. Approaching the end of first forty five minutes, the mixed half saw Freiburg shell the opposition midfield with constant attacks, but the hosts proved resilient in the back with Arne Maier and Manuel Preitl shielding the defence efficiently.
Led by captain Fabian Klos, Bielefeld started stronger in a contrasting manner to the first half. The first quarter of the second half experienced a tightly contested clash with a series of fouls resulting in yellow cards for both teams.
The 68th minute saw Arne Maier began a move with a short corner, crossing in a low effort to Masaya Okugawa just outside the six-yard box. The Japanese midfielder took two touches & unleashed a venomous shot which took an unfortunate headed deflection off Santamaria before going past Muller in the back of the net. It was Bielefeld’s first goal at home since January.
Voglsammer missed a sitter five minutes from full time, failing to extend the lead.
But nonetheless, Santamaria’s own goal proved to be invaluable as Bielefeld jumped past Mainz & Hertha Berlin to 14th place.