SC Freiburg kicked off there Europa League group stage with a 2-1 victory over Swiss outfit Basel at the Europa-Park Stadion, a result that gives Christian Streich’s men a solid start and stretches there strong run of form at home in Europe.
Basel, back in the main draw of the competition for the first time in six years, nearly shocked the home crowd within minutes. A cross from the left found Albian Ajeti free inside the box, his header arrowing low towards the corner, but Freiburg keeper Noah Atubolu pulled off a brilliant diving save to claw it away. That stop looked even more vital later, as it prevented Basel seizing early control.
The Germans grew into the contest and by the half hour mark they were infront. Basel only half-cleared a ball into the area and it landed kindly for Patrick Osterhage, who let fly from 25 yards with his left foot. The strike zipped low into the corner past Mirko Salvi, sparking loud celebrations in the stands. On balance it was deserved too, as Freiburg had been sharper and more aggressive in the duels.
Basel still carried a threat, with Andi Zeqiri and Otele both probing, but the final ball often lacked accuracy. And Freiburg have made a bit of a habit of scoring after half-time lately, doing so in 11 of there last 12 matches, so when they struck again early in the second half, it surprised few. This time it was Vincenzo Grifo with a teasing delivery from the left, met by Maximilian Eggestein’s header. Salvi got a hand to it but the ball was already over the line, goal-line technology confirming the second.
At 2-0, the hosts looked in control, moving the ball around with confidence and trying to kill the game off. Grifo went close himself with a curling free-kick while Ritsu Dōan tested Salvi again, but Freiburg couldnt add a third to finish it off. That left the door slightly open and Basel finally found a moment of quality late on, Philip Otele cutting inside from the edge of the area and bending a beautiful strike into the far corner with five minutes left.
The goal set up a nervy finale but Freiburg held on, showing maturity to see out stoppage time without giving the Swiss visitors a clear look at goal. It marked a fifth straight Europa League home win for Streich’s side and gives them early momentum in the group. For Basel it was a case of too little too late, the first half sloppiness and lack of cutting edge proving costly.
Freiburg will now turn there attention back to Bundesliga duties before continuing the European journey, while Basel must regroup quickly ahead of the visit of Stuttgart in early October, knowing points at home will be vital if they want to progress from this group.
