Grifo goes from zero to hero as Freiburg earn win against Bochum

Freiburg came into this contest after making exactly the same start to their 2021/22 campaign, taking six points from three matches, and the hosts hoped for a positive start against Bochum, who were pointless following their worst-ever start to a Bundesliga season.

However, Die Unabsteigbaren nearly caught Freiburg off guard early on when Takuma Asano drilled a low shot from a tight angle towards the bottom corner, but Mark Flekken parried away.

Bochum struggled to build on their positive start and their defensive troubles that led to a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich last time out surfaced again.

Midway through the half, Freiburg carved through the visitors’ backline with ease, but goalkeeper Manuel Riemann produced a double save to deny Michael Gregoritsch and Roland Sallai before Nicolas Hofler smashed the rebound high and wide with the goal at his mercy.

Keeping a clean sheet was going to be a tough ask for a Bochum side that conceded three goals in each of their last two away games and any hopes of a shutout ended early in the first half when Riemann fouled Sallai in the area for a Freiburg penalty.

Incredibly, Riemann saved Grifo’s spot kick and the striker’s follow up effort. But it was third time lucky for the midfielder, who eventually tapped in his second goal in as many matches.

Bochum found chances hard to create against an organised Freiburg until Gerrit Holtmann worked space on the edge of the area and thumped the post with a powerful strike.

Freiburg then nearly sealed the points but Riemann produced yet another double save, this time denying Gregoritsch from close range and Nils Petersen clipped the crossbar with a late effort.

Riemann’s repeated heroics were spectacular but highlighted his key role in keeping the score to a minimum as Bochum’s defence was opened up time and time again as their losing streak continued.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg)