SC Freiburg Defeats VfL Wolfsburg 1:0, Strengthening European Cup Aspirations

SC Freiburg has intensified the sporting crisis of VfL Wolfsburg by winning 1:0 (0:0) at the Volkswagen Arena, in a match where they played with a numerical advantage for 65 minutes. This victory positions Freiburg in the Bundesliga standings where Wolfsburg has been striving to reach since 2021, maintaining hopes for a Champions League, Europa League, or at least a Conference League spot as the season approaches its final three matches.

In front of 23,145 spectators, Wolfsburg’s captain Maximilian Arnold received a red card in the 26th minute. Arnold struck Freiburg striker Junior Adamu on the ankle with his cleats, leading referee Sven Jablonski to change his initial yellow card decision to red after consulting VAR. However, it wasn’t until the 49th minute that Max Rosenfelder scored his first Bundesliga goal, putting Freiburg ahead 1:0.

This goal extended Wolfsburg’s winless streak to seven matches, with their last home victory occurring on January 14 against Borussia Mönchengladbach, over three months ago. The Volkswagen club has only managed to win three out of 16 home games this season. It has been widely acknowledged that head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl is likely to depart at the end of the season.

Sporting director Peter Christiansen commented on the situation, indicating that the circumstances following the red card could influence decisions: “I can’t say how we will evaluate this yet. There have been some ups and downs this season, but it’s not over yet. We will analyze everything after the season and make decisions accordingly,” he stated to Sky regarding the missed opportunity for international competition.

Despite being at a numerical disadvantage, Wolfsburg put forth a commendable fighting effort. Nevertheless, Freiburg, who displayed superior ball control and gameplay, had better opportunities even when both teams were at full strength. Lucas Höler missed a header in the 14th minute, and Adamu squandered a clear chance, shooting wide in the 20th minute.

After the red card, Freiburg’s handling of their chances became somewhat reckless. Vincenzo Grifo failed to score from 11 meters against Wolfsburg goalkeeper Kamil Grabara in the 36th minute, and Matthias Ginter headed over from close range in the 43rd minute.

The situation changed right after the break when defender Rosenfelder joined the attack and scored with an impressive shot into the top left corner.

Following the goal, Freiburg retreated too much, allowing the ten Wolfsburg players to dominate possession. Wolfsburg attempted to exert pressure and thwarted numerous Freiburg counterattacks but, as has often been the case in their home matches, lacked the necessary attacking threat.

Mohammed Amoura, who had been Wolfsburg’s top scorer in the first two-thirds of the season, was another indication of the team’s struggles, as he has shown diminished form in recent weeks and was substituted shortly after the 0:1 deficit.