West Ham’s European Ambitions Dented in Freiburg Clash
Late VAR Drama Leaves Hammers Aggrieved
In a captivating evening of Europa League action, West Ham United’s aspirations suffered a blow with a slender 0-1 defeat at the hands of SC Freiburg during their first leg of the last-16 showdown. Despite previous victories against the Bundesliga outfit in the group stages, the Hammers found themselves undone by a late surge from the hosts.
Missed Opportunities and Defensive Lapses
Comfort seemed to be the order of the day for David Moyes’ team until substitute Michael Gregoritsch broke through, capitalising on a miscued shot by Roland Sallai to delicately nudge the ball past several defenders and into the net. This strike, a mere nine minutes from time, shifted the entire complexion of the match.
Prior to this, West Ham had golden opportunities to take the lead, with both Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta failing to convert from Mohammed Kudus’ exceptional deliveries. Bowen’s attempt from the box’s edge was notably thwarted by Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu, marking a night of what might have been for the London side.
Controversy in the Closing Moments
The drama peaked in the dying embers of the match, with West Ham left seething over a contentious VAR decision. The officials, led by referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez, took several minutes to review a potential handball by Noah Weisshaupt in the penalty area. Despite the extensive check and the apparent handling, the decision fell against the Hammers, denying them a crucial penalty.
David Moyes and his squad were visibly frustrated as the final whistle sounded, their grievances with the late call palpable. “The German had his hands in the air when Tomas Soucek, standing behind him, hooked the ball against his arms,” but their appeals were in vain.
West Ham are denied a penalty in injury time ❌
Should VAR have given the handball?#UEL pic.twitter.com/aKYDC6oWZj
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 7, 2024
Mountain to Climb in London
This result leaves West Ham with a considerable task ahead in the return leg in London. To keep their European journey alive, they must overturn the deficit and capture a win. The challenge is significant, especially considering Freiburg’s win marks only their second in 90 minutes across any competition since the turn of the year.
The Hammers will be reflecting on missed chances and a late VAR decision that could have altered their fortunes. Yet, with their sights set on replicating their previous European exploits, the stage is set for a thrilling second leg where they’ll aim to reverse their fortunes and progress in the competition.
West Ham’s journey in the Europa League hangs in the balance, but their resolve will surely be tested as they look to inspire a memorable comeback at home.
