Of the 34 European games that David Moyes has managed for West Ham, this is perhaps one of the most forgettable.
His team appeared to be heading for a goalless draw in Germany’s Black Forest, but were defeated by an 81st-minute goal from Michael Gregoritsch and left their European status hanging by a thread.
Moyes and his players, however, were furious when they were denied a penalty for the death.
Freiburg defender Noah Weisshaupt appeared to have blocked Kalvin Phillips’ shot from the edge of the area with his hand. A lengthy VAR review followed before referee Alejandro Hernandez was sent to the pitch monitor. To the disbelief of the West Ham players and the delight of the Germans, he stood by his original decision not to penalize.
Back-to-back Premier League wins had lifted recent pressure that had been building on Moyes following an eight-match winless run earlier in the year.
Substitute Michael Gregoritsch finished from close range in the final minutes of the game to win the match for Freiburg.
Freiburg had the best of chances on a disappointing night for West Ham in Germany
West Ham were left furious at full-time after being denied a late penalty in stoppage time following a VAR review.
Moyes’ record in Europe (just one defeat in his last 21 games before last night) is the reason he has kept a significant amount of credit in the bank.
That could be lost quickly if his team fails to turn things around next week. A defeat would mean that their only way to continue this European tour would be through his league position.
Freiburg is a well-known rival for West Ham, as both teams have already met in the group stage of this competition.
The Hammers won both matches and advanced as group winners, while Freiburg overcame a dramatic play-off against French side Lens, winning the second leg 3-2 after extra time, despite trailing 2-0 at half-time.
While Moyes and his players had a sense of familiarity, this was new territory for the 2,230 West Ham fans who braved the travel chaos caused by widespread train and airport strikes.
They were unable to attend the first trip to the Europa-Park Stadion in October due to a ban imposed by UEFA after a minority caused disruption during the Europa Conference League final last May.
While both sets of fans contributed to a vigorous atmosphere in the stands, there was little on the field to get excited about in the first 45 minutes.
The first impressive build-up play came from the hosts when Roland Sallai set up Lucas Holer, but the striker could only shoot directly at Lukasz Fabianski, despite having a clear view of goal. West Ham’s best chance of the half came when Mohammed Kudus found Jarrod Bowen at the far post, but his volley missed and he went wide.
West Ham manager David Moyes left the field after speaking to the referee at the end of the match.
Referee Alejandro Hernandez checks the pitchside VAR monitor before denying West Ham a penalty.
Jarrod Bowen endured frustrating night in front of goal in Germany
It is no coincidence that West Ham’s recent return to form has coincided with the return of Lucas Paquetá from injury. The Brazilian had been key in the last game here, scoring the first goal in the 2-1 victory, leading his coach to consider him a “maverick” with “incredible talent.”
Freiburg seemed to have done their homework this time. Every time the ball reached Paquetá’s feet, two players immediately surrounded him. There were also some strong challenges, which led the winger to ask referee Alejandro Hernández for more protection. The official didn’t seem very interested.
The Brazilian should have opened the scoring shortly after the break when his slanted shot went wide. Konstantinos Mavropanos almost did it from the resulting corner, but his header hit the outside of the post and bounced wide. Paquetá’s frustrations only increased when he was booked for a rash tackle before heading a Kudus cross over the bar.
Bowen was next to close on West Ham when he cut in from the right to fire a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, forcing Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu into his first major save.
Freiburg had the best chances of the night but were largely limited by the West Ham defence.
Hammers midfielder Lucas Paquetá failed to make his usual impact on proceedings.
James Ward-Prowse then had a clear view of the goal, but his shot could only force Atubolu into a more routine save.
Then came the low blow. Edson Alvarez was caught in possession in his own half and Roland Sallai stepped forward. His cross found an unmarked Gregoritsch who beat Fabianski.
It looked like West Ham would have a chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but Weisshaupt escaped punishment despite blocking Phillips’ shot with his arm.
Moyes’ team has everything to do in east London and his players will have to draw on that experience if they are to keep this European tour alive.