Grifo gave Christian Streich’s UEFA Champions League hopefuls the lead against the run of play, but Kostic equalised nine minutes into the second half with a fine finish. After going in front again through Petersen, the visitors somehow managed to hold on for all three points as Eintracht threw everything at them in the closing stages.
Rode and Hauge recalled
Oliver Glasner opted for two changes to the side that held Barcelona at Deutsche Bank Park in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. Captain Sebastian Rode was joined in the starting XI by Jens Petter Hauge, with Kristijan Jakic and Daichi Kamada making way.
Freiburg strike first
The first opportunity of an even opening fell to Rafael Borré, who sent a low shot just wide of the target after fine link-up play between Rode and Hauge. The Norwegian was presented with a promising chance of his own not long afterwards, shooting straight at Mark Flekken before Ansgar Knauff blazed over the crossbar moments later.
Freiburg gradually began to find their feet as the half wore on and stunned the home fans inside Deutsche Bank Park when Grifo escaped the attentions of Martin Hinteregger, Evan Ndicka and Tuta before beating Kevin Trapp with a composed finish. Borré’s flick-on from Knauff’s delivery almost teed up Hinteregger with five minutes of the half remaining, but the Austrian’s effort was blocked by Philipp Lienhart.
Eagles out of luck
Eintracht started the second half brightly and had the ball in the net six minutes into the half, but Jesper Lindström was deemed to be in an offside position from Knauff’s pass and the goal was chalked off. Undeterred, the Eagles continued to surge forward and finally got their equaliser when Kostic finished confidently from Hauge’s through-ball.
Once again, however, Freiburg got their noses in front against the run of play when Petersen headed home Christian Günter’s free-kick. Ajdin Hrustic’s shot from the edge of the area struck the inside of the post with five minutes remaining, before Kamada converted Jakic’s cross from close range – only to be denied by another offside flag.
Summary: Frustration for Eagles
Eintracht deserved at least a point based on the balance of play but while the Eagles failed to take their opportunities, Freiburg were ruthless in front of goal. Glasner and his players have little time to dwell on the defeat, though, with a Europa League quarter-final second leg at Camp Nou to look forward to on Thursday.
SGE line-up
Trapp – Tuta, Hinteregger, Ndicka – Knauff (Hrustic 75’), Rode (Kamada 75’), Sow (Jakic 31’), Kostic – Lindström, Hauge – Borré (Paciencia 63’)
Goals
0-1 Grifo (27’)
1-1 Kostic (54’)
1-2 Petersen (69’)
