SC Freiburg lived up to their role as favorites in the DFB Cup, but had more problems in the 2-1 (2-0) win against Hamburger SV than expected after the first half. Matthias Ginter (19th minute) and Vincenzo Grifo (44th minute / false penalty) put the dominant hosts in front, and things got exciting again after Jonas Meffert’s goal (51st minute).
“We are playing against a Bundesliga team that is doing a great job in the Bundesliga at the moment. You could see what we were missing at one minute or another,” said HSV coach Steffen Baumgart at the Sportschau microphone. His team then punished Freiburg’s crucial little mistakes.
Anna Klar, Sportschau, October 30, 2024 8:43 pm
Ginter rewards strong Freiburgers
It was almost two-and-a-half years since Freiburg and HSV last met in a competitive fixture – and the encounter was one to remember for the hosts. On April 19, 2022, the Breisgauer team reached the cup final for the only time so far with a 3-1 win in Hamburg.
Four players who were among the winners back then were in the starting line-up this time – and they were soon to make sure things were so clear that Freiburg would leave the field as winners this time too. Although HSV had their first big chance through Davie Selke, he missed his header after a corner well and Florian Müller was able to block it with his fist (4th).
On the other hand, Matteo Raab showed all his skills when he shot Lukas Kübler’s deflection (10th), then he was also there when Maximilian Philipp shot (16th). Freiburg pressed and crossed repeatedly into the middle, but never found a taker – until the 19th minute. Ginter timed it perfectly after a corner from Grifo and scored with a header to give Freiburg the lead.
Brych gives Freiburg a 2-0 lead, but HSV come back
Not much happened as a result, but shortly before the break there was a big commotion. Referee Felix Brych awarded Freiburg a penalty in the 43rd minute, but incorrectly. In his view, Daniel Elfadli fouled Maximilian Eggestein, but the SCF midfielder got out and touched Elfadli’s calf with his leg in flight. Grifo took advantage of this gift and made it 2-0 (44th).
Hamburg once again took advantage of the break and quickly found their way back into the game. Meffert got free to head the ball after a corner and scored the third goal of the evening from a set piece – and the tying goal for HSV (51st).
Königsdörffer missed Hamburg’s equalizer
The game was suddenly open again and both teams were able to create a few half chances. The Hamburg side in the second division were now level with the Bundesliga side in fifth place, but Freiburg had a great chance to make it 3-1. Junior Adamu was unable to get a strong cross into the goal, but instead put the ball well over (70′).
Then HSV missed the chance to equalize in the 84th minute. Substitute Ransford Königsdörffer finished ten meters out, but his low shot went just wide and hit the side netting. Jean-Luc Dompé was also unlucky with his 20 meter shot into the net (90+3), so Freiburg were able to celebrate again against Hamburg.
Patrick Stricker, Sportschau, October 30, 2024 8:04 pm
The match between Freiburg and Hamburg was a thrilling encounter, showcasing a blend of excitement and tension. It had been nearly two-and-a-half years since the two teams last faced each other, which was during a memorable cup final where Freiburg triumphed. This time around, Freiburg looked to maintain their winning streak against HSV.
Freiburg started the match strong, with their players quickly asserting themselves. Although Hamburg had a promising chance early on with Davie Selke’s header, Freiburg’s goalkeeper Florian Müller managed to keep the score level. However, it was Freiburg’s Matteo Raab who was particularly impressive in goal, blocking several shots and deflections from the opposition.
The breakthrough for Freiburg came in the 19th minute when Matthias Ginter headed in a corner delivered by Vincenzo Grifo, giving the hosts the lead. Just before halftime, a controversial penalty awarded to Freiburg allowed Grifo to extend the lead to 2-0, although the decision appeared questionable as it stemmed from a minor contact incident.
After the break, Hamburg responded vigorously, with Meffert scoring from a corner just six minutes into the second half, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The match became increasingly competitive with both sides creating opportunities, but Freiburg had a golden chance to restore their two-goal advantage when Junior Adamu failed to convert a good cross.
As the game progressed, Hamburg pressed hard for an equalizer, coming close on multiple occasions. Substitute Ransford Königsdörffer narrowly missed a crucial opportunity with a shot that hit the side netting, and in injury time, Jean-Luc Dompé’s long-range effort also failed to find the target.
Freiburg held on to their lead and managed to secure the victory, continuing their recent dominance over Hamburg.
