A great goal and a questionable celebration.
Leipzig and Freiburg separate 1:1 – but in the end one scene gets stuck.
Because after his 1-0 goal scorer Demirovic runs in the direction of the corner flag and shows a military salute together with teammate Höler. In times of a terrible war in Ukraine – does it have to be? Demirovic and Höler have no personal connection to Ukraine or Russia. According to BILD information, it is “only” a ritual between the two. It’s always tasteless.
Freiburg coach Christian Streich (56): “I haven’t seen it, I have to look at it first. Of course, when they do something like that, they don’t think about the military and of course that wouldn’t be appropriate. If things like that happen, then of course we talk about it, of course.”
About the game: Freiburg got the better start. 11 minutes: Schlotterbeck just tries to get in there from a distance – Gulacsi catches the ball after he catches it.
After that there’s a lot of respect and few chances to score. 65 percent ball possession for Leipzig. But nothing comes of it.
And the people of Freiburg? They’re freezing. Again Schlotterbeck steps forward, Kampl points the ball away, but hits teammate Haidara. From there, the ball bounces into Demirovic’s barrel and he lobs the storming out Gulacsi (38′)!
Demirovic of all people: He had played in the Leipzig youth team until 2017, then ended up at SC via several stations in Spain and France. And by winter he was almost gone – Hertha wanted him, Freiburg kept him. It’s now paying off.
Leipzig can hardly think of anything afterwards. Attack after attack gets stuck on Freiburg’s defense. But then Angelino. 90 minutes: The Spaniard gets the ball in the penalty area and simply takes a dry aim and it lands right in the far corner! Leipzig’s last-minute compensation!
A late goal for Freiburg and injury worries: Defense boss Nico Schlotterbeck had to limp off the pitch in the 65th minute.
Leipzig remains the best team in the second half of the league (19 points) and keeps Freiburg behind in the fight for a place in the Champions League.
