Head coach Oliver Glasner made two alterations from the team that started against Greuther Fürth before the international break. Makoto Hasebe replaced Martin Hinteregger, who was left out as a precaution after picking up a knock in training, while Timothy Chandler was preferred to Erik Durm on the right wing.
Efficient Eagles
Eintracht made a good start at Freiburg’s new Europa-Park Stadion and created the first chance on 11 minutes, when Daichi Kamada played it through for Lindström, whose finish from a tight angle was blocked by the feet of Mark Flekken. The hosts then grew into the game and Kevin Trapp was forced into a smart save from Lucas Höler’s low shot (19’), before pushing away Vincenzo Grifo’s dangerous goalbound cross (25’).
Having survived that mini spell of pressure, the Eagles broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Kristijan Jakic was intercepted as he charged into the box but the ball came somewhat fortunately to Lindström, who poked it past Flekken for his first goal in an Eintracht shirt. The lead was doubled shortly before half-time, when Kostic’s free-kick from the right sailed past everyone and went straight into the far corner
Job done
The second period got off to a fast, end-to-end start, with Freiburg probing for a way back into the game and Eintracht looking to hit on the counter. Rafael Borré had a low effort saved by Flekken after being teed up by Lindström, who himself then went close to a second goal (56’). At the other end, Nicolas Höfler headed against the bar from a free-kick, before Grifo’s volley was blocked on the line by Tuta.
The chances dried up after that as the Eagles dug in to protect their lead, allowing the hosts more possession but keeping them away from goal. Fresh legs in the form of Almamy Toure, Sebastian Rode and Ragnar Ache helped Glasner’s side to see it out and claim back-to-back Bundesliga wins for the first time this season.
Summary: Fully deserved win
Eintracht take three points back to Frankfurt after an impressive display against a Freiburg side who were third in the table and unbeaten at home going into the game. Glasner’s men were efficient in both attack and defence, kicking off a busy period in the perfect way.
SGE line-up
Trapp – Tuta, Hasebe, Ndicka – Chandler (Toure 65’), Sow (Rode 74’), Jakic, Kostic – Kamada, Lindström (Ache 74’) – Borré (Ilsanker 85’)
Goals
0-1 Lindström (34')
0-2 Kostic (43')
