Eggestein's first-half strike ensures Freiburg defeat gutsy Paderborn

The newly promoted side from East Westphalia put in a fine second-half display but couldn't find a reply to Maximilian Eggestein's match-winning goal.

Photo: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images.

Paying a visit to newly promoted SC Paderborn this afternoon, SC Freiburg maintained their perfect start to the new Bundesliga campaign with a 1-0 win. Maximilian Eggestein's first-half strike proved to be the difference come the final whistle.

Both Mio Backhaus and Nahuel Noll had to be alert in the initial exchanges as Marvin Pieringer and Igor Matanovic forced both goalkeepers into smart saves from range. The Freiburg marksman got another bite at the cherry minutes later, but Noll stood in the way.

Despite doubling up to deal with the threat of Derry Scherhant, Paderborn were opened up by the winger inside 26 minutes. His cut back found Yannik Engelhardt whose shot was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly for Maxi Eggestein to drill past the divining Noll. 

A second goal could have come mere seconds later when Paderborn were on the ropes. A cross from Philipp Treu teed up Matanovic for the bicycle kick. However, the centrally-struck acrobatic effort was a nice height for Noll. The hosts happy to reach the break just one down.

With Steffen Tigges replacing the yellow carded Rayan Philippe to start the second half, Paderborn looked much improved. The substitute and Pieringer both had chances to restore parity. The latter attempted to round Backhaus who managed to intervene. 

The East Westphalian outfit continued to pile on the pressure as Laurin Ulrich sent a low driven shot whizzing past the upright. Ultimately, Julian Schuster's men managed to shore up their rearguard and hold on for victory, maintaining their perfect start in the process.