Freiburg go top of Bundesliga after five-goal rout of Gladbach

The result gave Freiburg their best-ever start after three matches in a top-flight season. They have now won all six games in all competitions this season and scored 22 goals along the way.

Match highlight

Freiburg started on the front foot and nearly went ahead inside 15 minutes. Philipp Treu sent in an effort that Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas saved comfortably, but Nicolas had to work much harder soon after to keep out Yannik Engelhardt and turn his effort behind for a corner.

That corner brought the opening goal. Derry Scherhant swung the ball into the area, and Nicolas misjudged the flight. Engelhardt, who spent last season on loan with Gladbach, was left with a simple close-range header into an empty net.

Freiburg doubled their lead only minutes later. Matthias Ginter supplied the ball for Igor Matanovic, who finished from close range. His shot came back off the post before crossing the line.

Gladbach were already struggling to contain Freiburg, and Yuito Suzuki nearly added a third after being played through. Nicolas made another stop to keep the visitors in the game before the interval.

Their hopes disappeared early in the second half. Gladbach captain Tim Kleindienst was shown a second yellow card for a reckless foul, leaving his side with 10 men.

Freiburg did not immediately turn their extra man into more goals. For around 20 minutes, they were content to keep possession and make Gladbach chase the ball. But once the third goal arrived, the game opened up completely.

Matanovic headed in Freiburg's third from Jordy Makengo's cross to complete his brace. Less than two minutes later, Engelhardt struck from outside the area for his second goal of the afternoon and Freiburg's fourth.

Maximilian Eggestein completed the scoring late on. The Freiburg captain found the net for the second match in a row, sending the home fans into celebration.

The win may not keep Freiburg top for long once the rest of the weekend's fixtures are played, but it gives them a real early advantage in the race for the European places. Freiburg have not finished in the Bundesliga top four since 1995, yet their start has given supporters reason to believe this season could be different.

For Gladbach, the picture is far less encouraging. They are bottom of the table after failing to win any of their first three league matches for the second straight season. The red card did not help, but they were already second best before Kleindienst left the pitch.