The previous weekend, Freiburg welcomed Eintracht Frankfurt in a battle between two sides that are involved in the group of contenders for the European spots. In the end, the home side could win the match 1-0 and therewith consolidate their position within the Bundesliga top group.
In the following tactical analysis, we are going to explain how both sides neutralised each other with similar tactics in the first half. Moreover, our analysis will examine Freiburgs win-bringing attacking strategy with one man up in the second half and will answer the question of why they were still lucky with these three points.
Lineups and formations
Lineups of Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt [Credit: Wyscout]Freiburg coach Christian Streich lined his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, his side often set up differently as central midfielder Robin Koch played a hybrid role acting partly as a central midfielder (out of possession) and partly as a central defender (in possession). In the attack, striker Nils Peterson acted as the most offensive player whereas Lucas Höler positioned himself just slightly behind him. Their wide attackers in Vincenzo Grifo and Roland Sallai while both full-backs moved high up the pitch
As the graphic below shows, Nicolas Höfler was left alone in central midfield which also caused some issues for Freiburg as we will explain at a later stage of our analysis. Furthermore, the high positioning of Freiburgs attacking department was caused by their attacking approach in the second half.
Average Position & Passing Network of Freiburg [Credit: Wyscout]Eintracht Frankfurt, on the other hand, nominally played with three central defenders. Frankfurt coach Adi Hütter chose to line up a striking duo in Bas Dost and Gonçalo Paciência upfront. Their central midfielders, mostly acted in central areas while single-pivot Gelson Fernandes played closer to the back three than the two advanced midfielders. Therewith Fernandes was supposed to stop Freiburgs counter-attacks.
