Full-time: SC Freiburg 3-2 VfL Wolfsburg

SC Freiburg advanced in the DFB Pokal after a dramatic 3-2 win over VfL Wolfsburg, a five-goal contest that swung one way and then the other before the hosts found the decisive moment late on. In a cup tie full of pressure, transitions and set-piece danger, Freiburg’s ability to keep attacking after being pegged back proved the difference.

Freiburg find a late answer in five-goal cup thriller

Played at the Europa-Park Stadion, the match had the feel of a proper knockout night: fast starts, heavy challenges and a crowd ready to react to every momentum shift. Wolfsburg struck first and remained dangerous on the counter, but Freiburg stayed composed, used their wide areas well and kept asking questions of the visiting back line. The hosts led twice, were pulled back twice, and finally broke through again in the closing stages to seal a place in the next round.

The 3-2 scoreline reflects a tie that was never fully controlled by either side. Freiburg had the better share of territory and created the more sustained pressure, while Wolfsburg’s best moments came from quick breaks and direct running behind the defence. In the end, the home side’s persistence and the quality of their attacking rotations made the difference.

Match overview

Freiburg approached the game with their usual aggressive pressing and a willingness to send full-backs high. That created space for crosses and cut-backs, but it also left room for Wolfsburg to counter. The visitors were compact in midfield, looked to spring forward quickly and were rewarded with chances whenever Freiburg lost the ball in advanced areas. The game became a test of patience as much as quality, and Freiburg’s ability to reset after setbacks stood out.

Wolfsburg’s threat was clear whenever they could isolate Freiburg’s defenders in transition. Their movement between the lines and willingness to shoot from distance kept the home goalkeeper involved. Still, Freiburg’s control of second balls and their set-piece delivery gave them a reliable route back into the contest whenever Wolfsburg threatened to take charge.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Wolfsburg took the lead through a quick counter, with Mohammed Amoura finishing low after Freiburg lost possession in midfield. The away side’s speed in transition was immediately evident.
• 31st minute: Freiburg equalised when Vincenzo Grifo curled a free-kick around the wall and into the corner, a goal that lifted the home crowd and restored the hosts’ rhythm.
• 49th minute: Freiburg turned the tie around early in the second half. Christian Günter’s deep cross found Michael Gregoritsch, whose header gave the Wolfsburg goalkeeper no chance.
• 71st minute: Wolfsburg levelled from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box. Jonas Wind converted calmly, setting up a tense final phase.
• 84th minute: Freiburg found the winner when a substitute forward reacted quickest inside the area, turning a loose ball into the net to make it 3-2 and send the home support into celebration.

Tactical story: pressing, width and set pieces

Freiburg’s shape allowed them to dominate the ball for long spells, but their real weapon was the speed with which they moved the ball from midfield to the flanks. Günter and Grifo repeatedly combined on the left, while the opposite side stretched Wolfsburg’s back line and created room for late runs into the box. Freiburg’s set-piece routines were also a constant problem, with Wolfsburg struggling to clear dangerous deliveries cleanly.

Wolfsburg, by contrast, were at their best when the game became broken. Amoura’s pace and Wind’s movement gave them an outlet, and their midfield looked to play forward early rather than overbuild. That approach produced two goals and several nervous moments for Freiburg, but it also meant Wolfsburg had to defend for long periods. In the final analysis, Freiburg’s sustained pressure told.

Standout performers

Grifo was central to Freiburg’s best attacking play, mixing set-piece quality with intelligent link-up work. Günter’s delivery created the second goal and kept Wolfsburg’s right side under pressure throughout. Gregoritsch’s physical presence in the box gave the hosts a focal point, while the Freiburg goalkeeper made important stops during Wolfsburg’s strongest spells.

For Wolfsburg, Amoura was the most dangerous outlet, constantly threatening in behind and giving Freiburg something to think about. Wind’s penalty was expertly taken, and Maximilian Arnold’s passing helped the visitors find ways through midfield. Still, Wolfsburg could not quite hold on when Freiburg increased the intensity in the final quarter of the match.

What the result means

The win keeps SC Freiburg