Freiburg vs West Ham Report
Scorer: Gregoritsch 81’
SC Freiburg secured a crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham United in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, marking their first head-to-head win against the English side.
The tightly contested match at Freiburg’s Europa-Park Stadion set the stage for an intriguing second leg in London.
Strategic Battle Unfolds
Christian Streich’s decision to field an unchanged lineup from their recent draw against Bayern Munich paid dividends, as Freiburg controlled much of the game with superior possession.
Despite their dominance, the German club struggled to break down a disciplined West Ham defence, with Lucas Höler’s effort being the only shot on target in the first half.
West Ham’s Defensive Approach
David Moyes, known for his tactical adaptability in European competitions, made his only change between the sticks, opting for Łukasz Fabiański. The Hammers aimed to keep a clean sheet away from home, with Jarrod Bowen looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities, though his quest for a first European goal this season continued.
Second Half Intensifies
The match’s pace increased after halftime, with Konstantinos Mavropanos hitting the post in what was a sign of more open play.
However, West Ham’s cautious strategy saw them retreat, ultimately leading to Freiburg breaking the deadlock late in the game through Michael Gregoritsch, thanks to a proactive substitution strategy by Streich.
Gregoritsch Seals the Deal
Gregoritsch’s tap-in, his fifth goal in the competition, came after Roland Sallai’s mishit, catching Fabiański off guard and giving Freiburg a deserved lead.
This goal showed Freiburg’s persistence and ability to capitalize on their chances, setting them up with an advantage ahead of the second leg.
VAR Drama Concludes the Match
The match concluded with controversy as West Ham believed they had won a penalty in the dying moments for a handball by Noah Weisshaupt. However, after a lengthy VAR review, referee Alejandro Hernández waved off the claims, leaving West Ham frustrated and without an away goal.
Looking Ahead to the London Stadium
With Freiburg taking a narrow lead into the second leg, West Ham face an uphill task at the London Stadium, where they have been formidable in the group stages. The return leg promises to be a captivating affair, with both sides vying for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Freiburg’s late victory sets the tone for a highly anticipated second leg in the Europa League Round of 16. Both teams displayed tactical discipline, but Freiburg’s late surge proved decisive.
As the tie moves to London, West Ham will look to overturn the deficit and extend their European journey, while Freiburg aims to build on their first-leg success.
Further reading on this match can be found at:
Freiburg-West Ham Live | UEFA Europa League 2023/24