Höler stars as Freiburg edge Hoffenheim in five-goal thriller | OneFootball

Höler double secures thrilling 3-2 victory for Freiburg against Hoffenheim

Freiburg secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Hoffenheim, collecting a precious three points in the race for European qualification. Lucas Höler starred with two goals, while Ritsu Dōan also scores in an action-packed match at the Europa-Park Stadion.

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The Europa-Park Stadion played host to a crucial clash in the race for European qualification as Freiburg played host to Hoffenheim. Both sides entered the match with renewed confidence, having ended their respective winless runs last time out. Freiburg manager Julian Schuster made three changes to his starting lineup, with last weekend's match-winner Johan Manzambi earning a first start, whilst Hoffenheim boss Christian Ilzer named an unchanged side for the first time this season.

Ritsu Dōan of Freiburg shoots as Hoffenheim's Tom Bischof tries to block. (IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Memmler)

The match began with both teams showing attacking intent, but it was Freiburg who struck first in the 28th minute. A flowing move saw Ritsu Dōan release Johan Manzambi, who cleverly back-heeled the ball into the path of Lucas Höler. The striker made no mistake, slotting past Oliver Baumann to give the hosts the lead. Freiburg doubled their advantage just eight minutes later when Dōan, a constant threat throughout, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that nestled in the bottom corner.

Lucas Höler finished a superb team move for the opener. (IMAGO/nordphoto GmbH / Bratic)

Just as it seemed Freiburg would take a comfortable lead into the break, Hoffenheim mounted a stunning comeback. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Marius Bülter reduced the deficit with a deflected effort. Then, incredibly, Andrej Kramarić levelled the scores with virtually the last kick of the half, volleying home from close range to stun the home crowd. The dramatic end to the first half saw Hoffenheim's Stanley Nsoki receive a yellow card in the 39th minute for a foul on Dōan.

Marius Buulter was invovled in both goals as Hoffenheim levelled itup in sensational fashion in first-half injury time. (Alex Grimm)

The second half saw Freiburg regain their composure and push for a winner. Their efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute when Höler struck again, finishing off another well-worked move involving Dōan and Vincenzo Grifo. Despite Hoffenheim's best efforts to find another equaliser, Freiburg's defence held firm, with Florian Müller making several crucial saves to preserve their lead. The intensity of the match was reflected in the yellow cards shown to Freiburg's Patrick Osterhage, Höler, and Dōan in the second half.

Höler (c.) celebrates the winner with assist provider Grifo (r.). (IMAGO/Grant Hubbs)

Both managers made tactical adjustments throughout the match. Ilzer brought on Dennis Geiger for Nsoki at half-time, while later introducing Pavel Kadeřábek, Gift Orban, and Adam Hložek to chase the game. Schuster responded by bringing on Merlin Röhl, Jan-Niklas Beste, Max Rosenfelder, Kiliann Sildillia, and Nicolas Höfler to shore up his team's lead and see out the victory.

Player of the Match: Lucas Höler

Höler proved to be the difference-maker for Freiburg, netting a crucial brace to secure all three points. His first goal showcased his clinical finishing, while his second demonstrated his ability to be in the right place at the right time. Höler's movement and link-up play were instrumental in Freiburg's attacking moves, and his work rate off the ball helped the team maintain pressure on Hoffenheim's defence throughout the match.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Freiburg 1.59 - Hoffenheim 1.73Fastest player: Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim), 35.7 km/hLowest goal probability: 2-0 by Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg), 3.16 percentMost pressed player: Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), 26 times under pressurePass efficiency: Kevin Akpoguma (Hoffenheim), +4.52

Fantasy Heroes: Lucas Höler (Freiburg, 297 Points), Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim, 302 Points), Marius Bülter (Hoffenheim, 263 Points)

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