Europa League - 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. 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 meet in London on December 14 to decide who wins the group, which would mean a direct place in the round of 16.
Streich: "A great evening, incredibly beautiful"
"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 channel RTL+, adding: "A great evening, incredibly beautiful. 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 were celebrating again after Gregoritsch's third goal.
Sildillia adds another before the break
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 Sildillia - 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.
An uneventful second half
The hosts shifted down a gear after the break due to their clear lead and Streich decided to rest a few 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 game was scored by Doan.
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Source: www.stern.de
