Soccer - Thanks to a Gregoritsch gala: Freiburg advance to the knockout phase
Michael Gregoritsch had already put on a warm hat and a thick jacket, but he didn't miss the match ball for his hat-trick. The previously hapless Austrian impressively ended his goal drought and secured SC Freiburg a place in the Europa League this winter. The Austrian international scored in the third, eighth and 36th minutes of a 5:0 (4:0) win against Olympiakos Piraeus on Thursday. It was his first goal for Sport-Club this season in his 15th competitive match. He also set up Kiliann Sildillia's goal (42'). The final goal was scored by Ritsu Doan (77).
With their fourth win in five games, Freiburg are already safely through to the knockout phase ahead of their final group game against West Ham United. The two clubs will then go head-to-head in London on December 14 for group victory, which would mean a direct place in the round of 16.
"Gregerl has such a hard time, injuries and all sorts of things. Then he scores a 1-0 like that, simply world class. He scored three goals, played well," Freiburg coach Christian Streich praised the match-winner on TV station RTL+, adding: "A great evening, incredibly nice. We've now had some great games in the European Cup and scored goals. Every European Cup game is something special for us."
Freiburg should travel to England's capital, but also to their next Bundesliga game on Sunday (3.30 pm/DAZN) at FSV Mainz 05, with a large portion of self-confidence - thanks to their dream start against Piraeus. Gregoritsch was in the right place for a deflected cross and cleverly put his body in against Panagiotis Retsos. After many missed chances this season, the 29-year-old ended his negative run.
And just five minutes after taking the lead, Gregoritsch showed his strengths for the second time on this rainy evening. This time he was on hand to head home from a corner kick. The Greeks reacted in shock. Only a win would have given them a chance of progressing, but the visitors lacked precision in the final third. Freiburg controlled the game in front of 34,000 spectators and cheered again after Gregoritsch's third goal.
But the first half was still not over. The Freiburg team now combined with gusto through the now very patchy defense until Gregoritsch found the free Silidillia - 4:0. Coach Christian Streich rubbed his eyes in amazement at the next gala on the European stage. Most recently, Sport-Club had also beaten Bačka Topola 5:0.
The hosts shifted down a gear after the break due to their clear lead and Streich decided to rest several key players after just over an hour - Gregoritsch was also sent off to much applause.
Hardly anything happened in the penalty areas. Freiburg did no more than necessary and did not get into trouble against the 47-time Greek champions, who were inferior in every respect. The final goal in a one-sided match was scored by Doan.
Group A table SC Freiburg squad Olympiakos Piraeus squad
Lesen Sie auch:
- Free travel in the new year: low emission zones will be lifted
- Eisenach narrowly loses to TBV Lemgo Lippe
- VC Wiesbaden wins first leg of round of 16 in Istanbul
- Evacuation completed after bomb found in Plauen
- About Dick Van Dyke
- SC Freiburg, currently in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is looking forward to their final group game against West Ham United F.C. in London, aiming for group victory and a direct place in the Europa League's round of 16.
- Christian Streich, the coach of SC Freiburg, praised Michael Gregoritsch's performance after the Austrian scored a hat-trick against Olympiakos Piraeus in Greece, helping their team secure a place in the Europa League's knockout phase.
- Although Olympiakos Piraeus needed a win to have a chance of progressing, they failed to demonstrate precision in the final third, allowing Freiburg to control the game and score five goals.
- In a previous game, Freiburg had also convincingly beaten Bačka Topola 5:0, showcasing their formidable play in European competitions.
- The Austrian international, Michael Gregoritsch, found the back of the net three times against Olympiakos Piraeus in a 5:0 win, ending his goal drought and securing Freiburg's place in the Europa League.
- London's West Ham United will face Freiburg for the group victory on December 14, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the Europa League's round of 16.
- Despite their impressive performance in Europe, Freiburg must also focus on their upcoming Bundesliga game against FSV Mainz 05, seeking to maintain their high morale and build on their successes.
- Olympiakos Piraeus, based in Greece, struggles to compete with teams like Freiburg in the Europa League, demonstrating the vast difference between German and Greek soccer.
- The Europa League, a popular soccer competition in Europe, serves as a stage for top teams from across the continent, including Freiburg, to showcase their skills and compete against opponents from various countries.
Source: www.stern.de
