Freiburg conceded another injury-time equaliser on Tuesday night as they shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller at the Rhein-Neckar Arena
A quick-fire double from Frantz nearly put them into a commanding lead at the break, before Elyounoussi scored his third of the season on the stroke of half-time. A beautiful Rudy costless-kick then put the ball firmly in Hoffenheims court, only for a controversial Darida penalty looked to have wrapped up the points for the away side.
However, just as they did versus Hertha Berlin on Friday, they failed to see the game out, as Vestergaard became the hero with the 94th minute equaliser.
Gisdol’s men had been known for their entertainment and goal-ridden matches last season, but reinforcements in the summer had seen them concede just twice in the opening four games.
The game started as many expected with the home side on top, with Volland forcing Burki into an early save, before firing two efforts wide in quick succession.
Freiburg absorbed the pressure though and looked for a way through the stern defence, but in the end, it was gifted to them. A poor ball back was pounced on by Philipp in the area, who had the time to square for Frantz, who was able to slow home into an empty net.
Still reeling from the first goal, a hammer blow was dealt just two minutes later when Schmid collected the ball wide, whipping it into the six yard area, when Frantz was again on hand to poke home.
The message from Streich was clear, get through the 10 minutes until half-time, which would’ve put them in a strong position to claim their first three points of the season. They were doing the job superbly until the 44th minute, when they lost the ball in midfield poorly, allowing Elyounoussi to break into the box, round a defender, and superbly slide the ball under Burki to half the deficit.
Streich’s team came out for the second half under pressure, but some defiant defending kept the hosts to long-range efforts early on. Gisdol’s men got their reward just after the hour mark though, and after two costless-kicks from Ronny denied them on Friday, Sebastian Rudy was the villain this time as he curled a delightful set-piece into the corner to level the match up with half an hour left.
Hoffenheim smelt blood and brought on Modeste to try and secure the win, but they were pegged back again when the referee pointed to spot as Strobl was adjudged to have fouled just inside the box, despite vivid protestations. Darida stepped up and sent Baumann the wrong way, as Streich and his men dreamt of their maiden victory for the season.
There was still to be huge drama though. Darida turned hero to zero as he was sent off with 10 minutes remaining, leaving his side an uphill battle to keep the slender lead.
It was a lead that lasted well into injury time though, until Burki made an important double save, only to see Vestergaard react quickest to stab the ball home and give his side a valuable point, which keeps his side unbeaten after five games of the Bundesliga campaign.