Despite a spirited performance at the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday, VfL Wolfsburg were beaten 4-3 by Freiburg on Matchday 15. The Wolves led twice in an eventful, end-to-end encounter but were unable to hold onto their advantage as the visitors turned the game on its head late on. The narrow defeat was harsh on the Green-and-Whites, who deserved more from the contest.
More facts and figures
Man of the hour: Dzenan Pejcinovic had failed to score in his first 17 Bundesliga appearances before his superb hat-trick against Freiburg – the first from a Wolfsburg player since Max Kruse’s treble against Mainz in April 2022.
VfL surrender lead: For the 24th time since the beginning of the 2023/24 season – and the sixth time this term – the Wolves were unable to defend their advantage in a Bundesliga match. No top-flight side has surrendered the lead more often in that period.
Penalty woes: VfL gave away a spot-kick for the sixth time this season – more than any other Bundesliga club in 2025/26.
Lion’s share of possession: Wolfsburg had 56 percent of the ball against Freiburg, controlling the game for large periods and causing the visitors problems in the final third.
Clear winner: Unsurprisingly, VfL fans named Pejcinovic as their ‘Man of the Match’ on Saturday. The Wolves’ hat-trick hero picked up 77 percent of the overall vote, with Kamil Grabara finishing second (12 percent) and Sael Kumbedi coming third (eight percent).
Head-to-head
- xGoals: WOB 1.66 WOB – SCF 3.53
- Attempts: WOB 13 – SCF 15
- Distance covered: WOB 117.85 km – SCF 122.48 km
- Possession: WOB 56% – SCF 44%
- Challenges won: WOB 52% – SCF 48%
- Passes completed: WOB 82% – SCF 80%
- Successful dribbles: WOB 45% – SCF 20%
- Fastest player: Sael Kumbedi (WOB) 33.34 km/h – Yuito Suzuki (SCF) 34.33 km/h
- Most distance covered: Dzenan Pejcinovic (WOB) 12.2 km – Maximilian Eggestein (SCF) 12 km
