Despite being reduced to ten men, Freiburg found a way to secure all three points as Keisuke Gotō’s 86th-minute header sealed a 2-1 victory over Schalke at the Europa-Park Stadion.

Keisuke Gotō celebrates his late winner vs. Schalke

Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images

Matthias Ginter put the hosts ahead early on before Kenan Karaman brought Schalke level shortly before the half-hour mark. However, despite enjoying a numerical advantage for the final 26 minutes, Schalke were unable to capitalise, with substitute Gotō delivering the decisive blow late on.

It took just ten minutes for Freiburg to break the deadlock from a corner. Derry Scherhant’s dangerous delivery was met by Ginter, whose header was parried away by Loris Karius. The rebound fell kindly for Eggestein, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range and give the hosts an early advantage.

After a relatively quiet spell, Schalke found an equaliser somewhat against the run of play on the half-hour mark. Another corner caused problems, this time at the opposite end, as Mio Backhaus came off his line to punch clear. However, the ball fell to Adrian Gantenbein, whose effort found its way into the net via a deflection off Schalke captain Karaman to bring the visitors level.

The contest settled into an evenly matched battle once again, with neither side able to create any significant openings before the interval as the teams went into the break locked at 1-1.

Both sides emerged with renewed energy after the restart, although Schalke threatened first. Robin Gosens broke down the right before delivering an inviting ball into the penalty area. However, his cross narrowly evaded the three Schalke players waiting in the box, allowing Freiburg to escape without conceding.

The balance of the contest shifted decisively in Schalke’s favour in the 64th minute when Yuito Suzuki was shown a second yellow card. The Japanese midfielder went in strongly on Soufian El-Faouzi, leaving the referee with little hesitation as Freiburg were reduced to ten men.

Sensing an opportunity to take control, Schalke introduced attacking reinforcements in an attempt to increase the pressure on the hosts. However, they struggled to turn their numerical advantage into clear-cut chances, while Freiburg continued to threaten going forward and remained resolute defensively as the clock ticked towards the final minutes.

Against the odds, Freiburg struck again in the 86th minute to reclaim the lead. Vincenzo Grifo delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where substitute Gotō rose highest to head past Karius and score his first goal for the club, sending the home supporters into celebration.

With five minutes of added time, Schalke pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Freiburg held firm to see out a memorable victory despite their numerical disadvantage.

The result lifts Freiburg to the top of the Bundesliga table on goal difference, while Schalke end the weekend in 13th place.