DFB-Pokal: Freiburg Seek Revenge on Red Bulls in Final Rematch

SC Freiburg vs RB Leipzig

Freiburg and RB Leipzig are set to meet twice in the first week of May, two games that could very well define their entire season. First up, the two will meet in a rematch of the 2022 DFB-Pokal final as they square off in the semi-finals of this year’s competition.

The two sides knocked out the big giants of German football in the previous round as Freiburg stunned Bayern and Leipzig beat Borussia Dortmund as they reached their fourth DFB-Pokal semi-final in the last five seasons.

Freiburg lost to Leipzig in last season’s final on penalties, and Christian Streich’s men will be eager to get their revenge on the Red Bulls.

Talking Points

Freiburg flying high once again

Freiburg are flying high once again. The Breisgau-Brasilianer are currently sitting fourth in the Bundesliga, two points clear of Leipzig.

After being in the top four for most of last season, Freiburg fell off late and only qualified for the Europa League. But Christian’s Streich side is finishing this season on a much stronger note. They have won three games on the bounce in the Bundesliga, albeit against three bottom-half sides in Werder Bremen, Schalke, and Koln.

Still, Streich’s side have now lost just once in their last 11 league games (6 wins, 4 draws), with that lone defeat coming against Bayern Munich.

As has been the case in recent seasons, Freiburg’s success has been built upon a strong defence. They are tied for the third-best defensive record in the Bundesliga with just 37 goals conceded. And since they got hammered 5-1 by Borussia Dortmund in February, they have conceded just seven goals in their last 11 games.

Meanwhile, Freiburg’s forwards have been able to find just enough goals to keep them afloat. Vincenzo Grifo and Michael Gregoritsch are the team’s leading marksmen with 13 and 10 goals, respectively.

However, it’s Lucas Holer who’s the team’s in-form forward. The 28-year-old has three goals and two assists in his last four games. That includes the late penalty to defeat Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Red Bulls getting back on track

RB Leipzig have had a difficult debut season under Marco Rose. They were dumped out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion by Manchester City, and their form has been inconsistent since returning from the World Cup break.

Although, the Red Bulls have reeled off three wins in their last four matches to keep their top-four hopes alive.

They defeated Hoffenheim 1-0 at home last time out thanks to a goal from Christopher Nkunku. That was the Chelsea-bound striker’s first goal since November as he’s struggled to get back to form after returning from the knee injury which kept him out of the World Cup.

Leipzig will be hoping that goal jumpstarts Nkunku’s confidence and helps him produce more DFB-Pokal 2023 highlights as his Red Bulls career winds down.

The Red Bulls are also set to get added reinforcements with the return of both Dominik Szoboszlai and Amadou Haidara, who both missed the Hoffenheim match due to suspension.

Leipzig will need all the help they can get to improve their middling away record this season. They have lost six of 15 Bundesliga away games, with just five wins and four draws. Moreover, they have lost four of their last five away games in all competitions, scoring just two goals during that time.

History

Leipzig have had the upper hand over Freiburg when it’s come to recent league meetings. Leipzig are six matches unbeaten against Freiburg, with three wins and three draws. That includes their first meeting of this season, which the Red Bulls won 3-1 at home.

Leipzig also defeated Freiburg in last year’s DFB-Pokal on penalties. Despite finishing the match with just nine men, Leipzig were able to complete the comeback to win their first major piece of silverware in club history.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP DFB-Pokal 2023 betting odds have RB Leipzig installed as 2.06 favourites to get the win and return to the final. Freiburg are priced at 3.10, while a draw is 3.40.

After last year’s final disappointment, Freiburg should be significantly fired up to face Leipzig again. They head into this tie in fine form, and with home advantage, they will be quite tough to beat.

I expect Freiburg to get their revenge on the Red Bulls as they reach the DFB-Pokal final for the second year in a row.

 

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