Eggestein Volley Keeps Freiburg Perfect and Top of Bundesliga

SC Freiburg have moved clear at the top of the Bundesliga after Maximilian Eggestein’s first-half volley earned Julian Schuster’s side a 1-0 win away to SC Paderborn. The result preserved Freiburg’s flawless opening to the league campaign and left them leading the table after two rounds.

Key takeaways

• Eggestein struck the only goal in the 26th minute.
• Freiburg have taken six points from their first two Bundesliga matches.
• Borussia Dortmund and SV Elversberg are level on points with Freiburg.
• Freiburg’s goal difference of +4 puts them ahead of Dortmund (+3) and Elversberg (+2).
• Borussia Mönchengladbach visit Europa-Park Stadion next Saturday.

Eggestein credits Freiburg’s defensive resolve

Freiburg controlled much of the opening period and took the lead through Eggestein, whose 26th-minute volley proved decisive. The visitors were less composed after the interval, however, as Paderborn increased their pressure and made the closing stages difficult.

Eggestein said Freiburg had merited their advantage before half-time, having kept control of the contest. He accepted that the side allowed Paderborn to push them back after the break and surrendered too much calmness in possession.

But the midfielder highlighted the collective work without the ball as the reason Freiburg were able to protect the narrow lead. He said the team’s defensive commitment had been exceptional and that coming through such a demanding fixture would strengthen the group’s confidence.

Schuster expects Paderborn to be difficult opponents

Schuster also praised Paderborn’s performance, saying Freiburg had understood before kick-off that the match would require considerable physical and mental investment to take anything from it.

The Freiburg coach was impressed by the hosts’ approach and said his players needed to show considerable patience when moments in the game became frustrating. Schuster believes Paderborn will collect plenty of home points over the season after the problems they caused his side.

Freiburg now return home with the division’s best goal difference and the early league lead. Schuster will look for another disciplined defensive display when Borussia Mönchengladbach arrive next Saturday, with Freiburg aiming to make it three wins from three.