Wings Clipped: Freiburg Denied Top Spot in Frankfurt Thriller as World Cup Auditions Sparkle

Freiburg's perfect start to the Bundesliga season finally met its match on Saturday, as Eintracht Frankfurt fought back to secure a 2-2 draw and deny the high-fliers a return to the top of the table. The stage had been set on Friday night when Bayern Munich produced a ruthless 7-0 demolition of Union Berlin to leapfrog Freiburg at the summit. That left the visitors knowing only victory in Frankfurt would restore their place at the top — but instead they dropped points for the first time this season and were forced to settle for second best, at least for now. What unfolded was a see-sawing encounter full of attacking intent, and one with more than a sub-plot for Germany watchers. With the 2026 World Cup looming large on the horizon, several members of Jürgen Klopp's expanded 44-man national squad were on display — and more than a few seized the moment to press their claims. Chief among them was Frankfurt's Younes Ebnoutalib who, just days after receiving a surprise maiden call-up to the national team, celebrated in the best way possible. He finished off a lovely team move after just 10 minutes, capping a flowing passage of play with a composed finish that suggested a player brimming with confidence. Freiburg, to their credit, refused to be rattled. Having arrived with a 100% record, they hit back in a contest that swung from end to end, showing the resilience that has carried them to the upper reaches of the table. There was another eye-catching display from West Ham loanee Niclas Füllkrug, too, as the striker continued to shine and reminded Klopp of precisely why he remains part of the national-team picture. For Freiburg, the draw will sting — victory would have sent them back above Bayern — but there is little shame in leaving Frankfurt with a share of the spoils. For the neutrals, and for Klopp as he continues to assess his options ahead of next summer's tournament in North America, it was an afternoon that delivered in spades. As the Bundesliga race tightens, the question now is whether Freiburg can regroup and sustain their challenge at the top — or whether Bayern's Friday-night statement proves the turning point in the title race. Either way, with World Cup auditions taking centre stage every weekend, German football is serving up storylines worthy of the biggest stage of all. This article is based on reporting by Guardian Football.