Freiburg held to a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt

Streich has downplayed Freiburg’s title prospects this season, maintaining that their goal for this campaign is simply “top-flight survival” with his side likely reeling from a thumping 6-0 defeat to Wolfsburg last time out.

Tied on points in third place with opponents Frankfurt heading into this evening, this was a chance for the Breisgau Brazilians to bounce back, though their visitors came out firing in front of a bouncing crowd at the Europa-Park Stadion.

Freiburg’s backline handled the blows well before taking charge of proceedings – displaying just why they haven’t been beaten here in the Bundesliga since August.

Considering their near-total dominance for 30 minutes, it almost felt cruel when the reigning Europa League champions turned the game on its head on the brink of HT.

Randal Kolo Muani expertly made space for himself on the edge of the box before bending an effort past Mark Flekken and marking his sixth goal contribution from his last four league outings.

With their manager’s words still ringing in their ears, it took just two second-half minutes for Freiburg to equalise.

It was a goal that again displayed their aerial qualities as Matthias Ginter headed home amidst the chaos created by a barrage of crosses into the Frankfurt box.

Boosted by the timing of that equaliser, the hosts resumed control, though the game remained up for grabs with both sides having sighters on goal.

Just after the hour mark, it was Michael Gregoritsch who spurned Freiburg’s biggest chance to take the lead when he inexplicably misguided his volleyed effort from just 10 yards out.

This left the visitors rocking, with Freiburg laying siege to the Frankfurt net in a contest that felt like a cup tie due to the velocity and passion it was being played with.

Both sides flooded shirts forward in a frantic tussle for a winner, though it was likely the visitors who were more satisfied with the eventual draw considering that Freiburg had dominated much of the contest.

A fascinating battle is developing, though it’s Frankfurt who maintains their position within the Bundesliga top four for now, whilst tonight’s hosts remain level on points but sixth in the standings.