Freiburg came from behind to claim a 2-1 triumph at Werder Bremen on Sunday, while their direct competitors for a Champions League spot Union Berlin held on to a 1-1 draw with VfL Bochum playing with 10 men.
In the late Sunday game, Bayer Leverkusen's run of five consecutive Bundesliga wins ended after a goalless draw at VfL Wolfsburg.
Bremen broke the deadlock early in the second half after a quick counter-attack led by Leonardo Bittencourt. He raced into the box and laid a pass for Maximilian Philipp, who nodded it home.
But Roland Sallai found the equalizer and had the honour of scoring Freiburg's 1000th goal in their Bundesliga history in the 67th minute, completing a cross from Lucas Höler.
Höler then got his name into the scoresheet just four minutes later as his header completed Freiburg's comeback and the club's 250th league win.
"In the end, we were the luckier side. Of course it could have ended in a draw. Of course Bremen could have made it 2-0. But to win in Bremen after falling behind — chapeau! Not everyone can do that," Freiburg coach Christian Streich said.
Freiburg remain fifth, one point behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig, the first club in the Champions League zone, and two behind third-placed Union.
Bremen, meanwhile, dropped to 12th, eight points above the relegation zone.
"We deserved at least point, if not the win. We had the better chances, but Freiburg are a top side and they use their chances well. We put in a lot of effort and it's very disappointing," goalscorer Philipp said.
Josip Juranovic's superb free-kick into the top corner gave Union the lead against Bochum late in the first half.
But things started to go wrong for the hosts after Kevin Stöger equalized for Bochum from the spot in the 55th and Union defender Paul Jaeckel saw a red card in the 61st.
Union thought they had found a quick answer in the 64th, but Kevin Behrens' goal was ruled offside.
Despite missing a player, Union were still the most dangerous team and wasted a few good chances. But they at least held on to the draw after keeper Frederik Ronnow had a brilliant reaction to save Philipp Hofmann's header from close range.
With the result, Union took a step back in the title race as they now sit seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich and five behind second-placed Borussia Dortmund.
"From my point of view, we played a very good first half. But in the first 15 minutes of the second half, we were begging to concede the equalizer," Urs Fischer said after his 200th game as Union coach.
"The red card was a wake-up call for us and we had every chance to win the game. But in the end, we have to live with one point."
Bochum coach Thomas Letsch said he was satisfied with the point amid their battle against relegation.
"I think we had opportunities to win the game as well. But when I think about Behrens' header (missed goal chance in the 85th) and the close offside goal, we're happy to take the point," he said.
Bayern were held to a 1-1 draw by Hoffenheim on Saturday, while Dortmund also dropped points in a 3-3 draw against 10-man VfB Stuttgart.
- Bundesliga
- Germany
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
