After 14 attempts, the goal drought is over – and how: Michael Gregoritsch gives SC Freiburg a final for group victory with a hat trick in the Europa League.
Michael Gregoritsch had already put on a warm hat and a thick jacket, but he didn’t miss the ball for his hat trick. The previously unlucky Austrian impressively ended his goal drought and secured SC Freiburg’s place in the Europa League over the winter.
The Austrian national soccer player scored against Olympiacos Piraeus to make it 5-0 (4-0) in the third, eighth and 36th minute. They were his first goals for the sports club this season in his 15th competitive game. He also prepared Kiliann Sildillia’s goal (42′). Ritsu Doan scored the final point (77th).
With their fourth win in their fifth game, Freiburg are already securely in the knockout phase ahead of their final group game against West Ham United. In London on December 14th, the two clubs will fight for group victory, which would mean direct entry into the round of 16.
Prank: “A great evening, incredibly beautiful”
“Gregerl has it so difficult, injuries and all sorts of things. Then he makes it 1-0, simply world class. He scores three goals and played well,” Freiburg’s coach Christian Streich praised the match winner on the TV channel RTL+ and added : “A great evening, incredibly beautiful. We had great games in the European Cup and scored goals. Every European Cup game is something special for us.”
The Freiburg team should travel to England’s capital, but also to the next Bundesliga game on Sunday (3:30 p.m./DAZN) at FSV Mainz 05, with a great deal of self-confidence – thanks to the dream start against Piraeus. Gregoritsch was right on a deflected cross and cleverly put his body past Panagiotis Retsos. After many missed opportunities this season, the 29-year-old ended his negative run.
And just five minutes after taking the lead, Gregoritsch showed off his strengths for the second time on this rainy evening. This time he was there with a header from a corner. The Greeks reacted with shock. Only with a win could they have kept their chance of progressing, but the guests lacked precision in the final third. The Freiburg team controlled the game in front of 34,000 spectators and celebrated again after Gregoritsch’s third goal.
Sildillia followed up before the break
But the first half was still not over. The Freiburgers now combined to play happily through the now very holey 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, the sports club also beat Bačka Topola 5-0.
Uneventful second half
The hosts shifted down a gear after the break due to their clear lead and Streich decided to rest some top performers after just over an hour – Gregoritsch was also farewelled with much applause.
Hardly anything happened in the penalty areas. Freiburg did not do more than necessary and were no longer in trouble against the 47-time champions of Greece, who were inferior in all respects. Doan set the final point in a one-sided game.
Source: Stern
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