Bundesliga
Freiburg secured a vital 2-1 victory against Holstein Kiel, enhancing their UEFA Champions League qualification prospects while relegating the hosts.
Holstein Kiel 1–2 Freiburg
Goals: 1-0 Rosenboom 24‘ (assist: Machino), 1-1 Manzambi 45'+2', 1-2 Höler 58’ (assist: Grifo)
The stakes couldn't have been higher as Kiel hosted Freiburg in a match with implications at both ends of the Bundesliga table. Kiel, fighting for survival in their debut top-flight season, needed a positive result to keep their slim hopes alive. Freiburg, meanwhile, arrived with their sights set on Champions League qualification, knowing a win could potentially secure their place in Europe's elite competition for the first time in their history.
The first half was a tale of contrasting fortunes. Freiburg started brightly, with Ritsu Dōan and Matthias Ginter coming close early on. However, it was the hosts who struck first against the run of play. In the 24th minute, Lasse Rosenboom found the net, sending the Holstein-Stadion into raptures. Freiburg's response was immediate but fruitless, with Vincenzo Grifo striking the woodwork shortly after.
Just as it seemed Kiel would take their lead into the break, Freiburg found a crucial equaliser. In the second minute of first-half stoppage time, Johan Manzambi capitalised on a long throw-in to level the scores. The goal was a blow to Kiel and a massive boost for Freiburg heading into the interval.
The second half saw Freiburg assert their dominance. The introduction of Lucas Höler at half-time proved to be a masterstroke by Julian Schuster. In the 58th minute, Höler met a precise cross from Grifo to head home what would prove to be the winning goal. Kiel, realising their Bundesliga survival was slipping away, mounted a spirited fightback.
In the final minutes, Kiel threw everything at Freiburg in a desperate attempt to salvage their Bundesliga status. The hosts peppered the Freiburg goal with attempts, including a close-range header from Timo Becker in the 89th minute that forced a save. Despite eight minutes of added time and a flurry of late chances, including efforts from Lewis Holtby and Benedikt Pichler, Kiel couldn't find the equaliser they so desperately needed. Freiburg's defence held firm, securing a vital victory and confirming Kiel's relegation.
Player of the Match: Ritsu Dōan
Dōan was the standout performer, providing energy and creativity at both ends of the pitch. The Japanese international was a constant threat, creating numerous chances and coming close to scoring himself early in the match. Dōan's work rate was exemplary, as evidenced by his high number of successful challenges and his ability to maintain pressure on Kiel's defence throughout the game. His performance was crucial in Freiburg's comeback victory.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Holstein Kiel 1.89 - Freiburg 1.75
Fastest player: Max Rosenfelder (Freiburg), 34.5 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Lasse Rosenboom (Kiel), 43.7 percent
Most pressed player: Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Shuto Machino (Kiel), +4.81
Fantasy Heroes: Carl Johansson (Holstein Kiel, 226 Points), Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg, 218 Points), Steven Skrzybski (Holstein Kiel, 185 Points)