Burkardt brace not enough as Grifo strikes late for Freiburg

Vincenzo Grifo once again showcased his set-piece mastery, rescuing a point for SC Freiburg with a spectacular late free-kick to secure a 2-2 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

The hosts could hardly have dreamed of a better start at the Europa-Park Stadion. Just two minutes in, Derry Scherhant, making his first Bundesliga start, capitalized on Robin Koch's misplaced pass, slotting calmly past goalkeeper Kaua Santos to give Freiburg an early lead. The goal lifted the crowd and gave Julian Schuster's side the platform to build on their impressive six-game unbeaten streak.

However, Frankfurt gradually found its rhythm. Pressing high and exploiting the central areas, the visitors drew level in the 18th minute. After winning the ball in midfield, Can Uzun's deflected pass fell perfectly to Jonathan Burkardt, who finished with confidence to make it 1-1. The forward struck again before halftime, converting a precise cross from Fares Chaibi in the 38th minute to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.

The second half saw Freiburg regain control but struggle to break down a compact Frankfurt defence. Substitute Vincenzo Grifo, introduced in the 75th minute, added much-needed creativity and composure. His moment arrived in the 87th minute when Freiburg earned a free-kick nearly 30 yards from goal. Expecting a cross, the Frankfurt wall stood firm, but Grifo had other ideas, bending a stunning shot around the wall and into the top corner to level the match.

Despite late pressure, including a near miss from Matthias Ginter in stoppage time, Freiburg had to settle for a draw. The result extends their unbeaten run to seven matches, while Frankfurt remain frustrated after letting a valuable away win slip in the final minutes.

Both sides now turn their attention to European competition in midweek before returning to league action on the weekend.

"Mixed emotions. We wanted a different start, but once again we fell behind early. The way the team fought back was a fantastic reaction, a real show of character. In the second half, we needed to relieve the pressure more. In the end, we must accept the result as it is," said Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller.

Elsewhere, Hoffenheim impressed again on the road, winning 3-0 for its third away victory in four games. Kramaric assisted Toure's first Bundesliga goal, added one himself, before Promel sealed the win.