Late Manzambi strike boosts Freiburg's European bid | OneFootball

Johan Manzambi's late strike seals crucial Freiburg win over Borussia Mönchengladbach

Freiburg secured a crucial 2-1 away win against fellow European hopefuls Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 29, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Johan Manzambi. The result saw the visitors leapfrog their opponents to go sixth in the table.

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Gladbach 1-2 FreiburgGoals: 1-0 Günter o.g. 14’, 1-1 Osterhage 16’ (assist: Kübler), 1-2 Manzambi 90’ (assist Dōan)

The clash between Gladbach and Freiburg at Borussia-Park was billed as a crucial encounter in the race for European qualification. With the teams separated by just two points and occupying sixth and seventh places respectively, the stakes were high. Freiburg entered the match looking to bounce back from recent setbacks, while Gladbach aimed to maintain their push for a European spot.

Franck Honorat celebrates after his cross led to Christian Günter's own goal, giving Borussia Mönchengladbach an early lead in the match." />

Franck Honorat celebrates after his cross led to Christian Günter's own goal in the 14th minute. (Pau Barrena)

Quick-fire goals set the tone

The match burst into life in the 14th minute when Franck Honorat of Gladbach sent in a dangerous cross that unfortunately deflected off Freiburg captain Christian Günter and into his own net. However, Freiburg's response was swift and decisive. Just two minutes later, Patrick Osterhage levelled the scores with a well-placed header from Lukas Kübler's cross. The remainder of the first half saw both teams create chances, with Robin Hack hitting the post for Gladbach and Ritsu Dōan going close for Freiburg, but the score remained 1-1 at the break.

Gladbach's Robin Hack sees an effort strike the Freiburg post in a tense first-half clash. (Pau Barrena)

Freiburg's persistence pays off

The second half saw Freiburg gradually assert their dominance. In the 58th minute, Gladbach goalkeeper Tiago Pereira Cardoso made a stunning save to deny Lucas Höler from close range. As the match wore on, Freiburg's pressure intensified, with substitutes Jan-Niklas Beste and Johan Manzambi adding fresh impetus to their attack after coming on in the 60th and 76th minutes respectively. The intensity of the match was evident when Junior Adamu received a yellow card in the 79th minute. Just as it seemed the match would end in a draw, Manzambi rose highest to head home a perfect cross from Dōan in the 90th minute, securing a vital 2-1 victory for Freiburg.

Player of the Match: Patrick Osterhage

Patrick Osterhage delivered a standout performance for Freiburg, earning him the Player of the Match accolade. His equaliser in the 16th minute was crucial in shifting the momentum back in Freiburg's favor after conceding early. Beyond his goal, Osterhage's tireless work in midfield was instrumental in Freiburg's dominance, as evidenced by his impressive 12.1 km covered during the match - the highest of any player on the pitch. His ability to link defense and attack played a key role in Freiburg's control of possession and creation of chances throughout the game.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Gladbach 0.83 - Freiburg 3.1Fastest player: Günter (Freiburg), 34.38 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-1 by Osterhage (Freiburg), 12 percentMost pressed player: Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg), 26 times under pressurePass efficiency: Dōan (Freiburg), +4.79

Fantasy Heroes: Dōan (Freiburg, 280 Points), Osterhage (Freiburg, 248 Points), Kübler (Freiburg, 228 Points)

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