Freiburg absolutely dropped *five* goals on Borussia Mönchengladbach Saturday, keeping their perfect Bundesliga start alive and rocketing them to the top of the league. This is a total statement game. Gladbach, on the other hand, is still searching for their first point after three matches, and this afternoon was a nightmare.
First Half Domination Sets The Tone
Freiburg caused problems right from the jump. Igor Matanovic had an opportunity early, nearly releasing Yuito Suzuki after dispossessing Ko Itakura, but struggled to get the ball out cleanly. No worries, though, the breakthrough was coming. In the 23rd minute, Derry Scherhant’s corner found Yannik Engelhardt, whose looping header caught Moritz Nicolas out of position, dropping right into the net. Just six minutes later, Freiburg doubled their lead! Matthias Ginter fired a sharp pass towards Matanovic on the edge of the box, and with plenty of pace on the ball, Matanovic simply guided it beyond Nicolas and in off the post. Gladbach looked completely overwhelmed, as Freiburg threatened to turn an already commanding first half into a rout.
Red Card, Goal Rush, Top Spot Locked
Freiburg remained in control after the restart. Gladbach’s hopes took another blow when Tim Kleindienst received a second yellow card following a coming together with Philipp Lienhart, reducing them to ten men. The visitors already looked toothless, and being down a man only made their task tougher as Freiburg continued to dictate. The hosts made their numerical advantage count in the 76th minute: Matanovic rose to head home from close range, completing his brace and taking his tally to three Bundesliga goals for the season. Just three minutes later, Freiburg had a fourth. Ginter again drilled a pass towards the edge of the penalty area, where Engelhardt took a touch before unleashing an excellent left-footed strike beyond Moritz Nicolas for his second. But Freiburg wasn’t finished, adding a fifth late on. Jordy Makengo sent the ball across the box, and after a scramble, Maximilian Eggestein was on hand to prod home and complete the rout.
What a display from Julian Schuster’s side! They’ve now won each of their opening three Bundesliga matches while conceding just once. With Augsburg dropping points elsewhere and Freiburg’s second-half goal rush, Die Breisgauer climbed to the top of the Bundesliga, capping a remarkable start. For Eugen Polanski’s Gladbach, this woeful start continues. They remain without a point after three matches, with a miserable afternoon compounded by Kleindienst’s dismissal and five goals conceded. This perfect Freiburg start? Absolutely something to keep an eye on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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