Gregoritsch scores for the EL victory
VAR makes SC Freiburg tremble a lot in the 99th minute
March 7, 2024, 10:59 p.m
SC Freiburg celebrates a dramatic first leg win in the round of 16 of the Europa League against West Ham United. Michael Gregoritsch made it 1-0 in the final phase of the game, but things got nerve-wracking in stoppage time: the VAR switched on after a handball.
The dream of the first European quarter-finals is alive: SC Freiburg is reaching for a historic milestone in the Europa League thanks to Michael Gregoritsch. Coach Christian Streich’s team won the first leg of the round of 16 against West Ham United 1-0 (0-0) and could reach the last eight internationally for the first time in the club’s history.
“It was really important. It was a really good game from the whole team, we were in a great mood,” said Gregoritsch on RTL. Breisgauer, who were superior in the first half, underlined their improved form after winning the point against Bayern, and substitute Gregoritsch (81′) shot out a narrow lead. For Freiburg’s “Mr. European Cup” it was already the fifth goal in the current competition.
“We were lucky today, we’re happy to take that”
Things got exciting again in stoppage time when the guests demanded a hand penalty, but after minutes of checking they didn’t receive it. “If it goes that long, you think that it can’t be that clear. Today we were lucky, we’re happy to accept that,” said Gregoritsch.
As with their first participation in the Europa League, West Ham is threatened with elimination against a German team, and in 2022 it ended in the semi-finals against Frankfurt. The second leg of the Conference League champion, who has regained strength after a weak start to the year, is on March 14th (6.45 p.m./RTL+ and in the live ticker at ntv.de) on the program, the dream goal is the final in Dublin on May 22nd.
“But of course you always want more”
Just getting into the round of 16 was “a huge success,” emphasized Streich: “But of course you always want more.” In the preliminary round, the Breisgauer had lost both duels with West Ham, so as second in the group they had to take the detour via the intermediate round against Lens. In order to get revenge, the sports club has to have “a lot of confidence” and “shape the game itself”.
The team immediately implemented Streich’s plan; after just 27 seconds, after a great combination, Roland Sallai was only able to be blocked by Vladimir Coufal in extreme distress. Freiburg took control of the game against the surprisingly passive British team and played very patiently with a lot of possession. However, there was a lack of ideas and precision in the final third.
Freiburg survives anxious moments
The exception was a great pass from Sallai to Lucas Höler, but he shot Lukasz Fabianski into the arms from 14 meters in front of 34,700 spectators (30th). Apart from two unsuccessful shot attempts by Jarrod Bowen (16th, 31st), there was nothing offensive from the Hammers, who were lurking on the counterattack.
After the change, the English suddenly played much more courageously and the game largely turned over. Konstantinos Mavropanos (52′) headed the outside post after a corner, Bowen forced Atubolu to make a brilliant save (64′). Freiburg made too many mistakes and invited West Ham time and time again. Gregoritsch was once again dangerous with his header (72′) before pushing the ball over the line from close range. In the end, Freiburg had to tremble – but according to the video footage, the referee did not give the guests a hand penalty. Tim Weißhaupt got the ball on his arm from very close range. Nine minutes into added time.