Keisuke Goto struck in the 85th minute with his sole shot on target to complete a stirring Freiburg comeback, handing the hosts a 2-1 victory over Schalke 04 on Matchday 5 of the Bundesliga. It was a result that will resonate across the league standings, rewarding Freiburg's persistence and punishing Schalke's inability to protect a lead deep into the second half.

Schalke had given themselves every reason for optimism after opening the scoring, seizing control for long spells and frustrating a Freiburg side that struggled to create clear-cut openings. The visitors defended with discipline and looked capable of claiming a precious away win, keeping the home crowd increasingly anxious as the minutes wore on. Yet the tide began to shift as Freiburg committed more bodies forward in search of an equalizer, gradually tightening their grip on possession and territory.

Freiburg eventually restored parity, and the momentum swing was unmistakable. The hosts pinned Schalke inside their own half, sensing that a winner was there for the taking. It arrived in the 85th minute when Goto, who had been quietly efficient throughout, delivered the decisive blow. His finish was ruthlessly clinical — one shot on target all match, one goal to decide it.

Goto earned the Player of the Match award with a rating of 7.4, a fitting recognition for a performance defined by composure under pressure. In a contest where chances were at a premium, his ability to convert the one opportunity that fell his way proved the difference between the two sides. It was the kind of contribution that managers dream of from their attacking players.

For Freiburg, the three points bolster their position in the Bundesliga standings and underline their credentials as a tough side to beat at home. For Schalke, the defeat is a painful reminder of how fragile leads can be in the closing stages. Having held the advantage for much of the contest, the visitors left with nothing — and the manner of the collapse will demand serious reflection as their schedule intensifies in the weeks ahead.

Freiburg 2-1 Schalke 04