Although technically not out of the Bundesliga title race, Leverkusen knew that making up nine points in three games, along with a 30-goal difference to Bayern Munich, was a losing battle.
They still sought to control the early possession, but ultimately looked despondent compared to a spirited Freiburg side, who tested Matej Kovar through Vincenzo Grifo’s long-range drive.
It turned out to be a half of very few chances, all of which went the way of the hosts. Patrick Osterhage was thwarted by the onrushing Kovar on the breakaway, before Freiburg seized the advantage on the stroke of half-time in stunning fashion.
Maximilian Eggestein received it well outside the area, and upon seeing no available outlets, fired a powerful dipping strike into the near top corner to give his side the lead at the interval.
And things got worse for last season’s champions just moments after the break when Johan Manzambi headed Ritsu Doan’s lobbed cross down into the six-yard box, where Junior Adamu pressured Piero Hincapie enough to coerce the Ecuadorian to prod into his own net.
Freiburg proceeded to break down nearly everything that their opponents threw at them, but the previously ineffective Florian Wirtz came inside from the left and picked out the bottom-left corner to halve the deficit with eight minutes to play.
Even though they had played poorly, Xabi Alonso’s side can never be written off. Nathan Tella sent in a cross from the left during stoppage time, and Jonathan Tah leapt in to glance in a header on his 400th appearance for the club.
The point still sees Freiburg retain fourth place, while Leverkusen managed to just about extend their remarkable unbeaten away league run to 35 matches.
However, the result does finally spell an end to Die Werkself’s title defence, meaning Bayern will lift a 12th title from the last 13 seasons and Harry Kane will finally crown his distinguished career with a maiden major trophy.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Maximilian Eggestein (Freiburg)
