Freiburg are on the cusp of reaching their first-ever main European semi-final after defeating Celta Vigo 3-0 of their Europa League quarter-final first leg.
Captain Vincenzo Grifo led the best way with a surprising end earlier than Niklas Beste and Matthias Ginter acquired in on the act to see the Bundesliga safe a wholesome first-leg benefit at Europa-Park Stadion.
Freiburg went forward after simply 10 minutes as 20-year-old Johan Manzambi teed up Grifo on the sting of the field, and the Italian curled the ball round Ionut Radu and into the far nook.
Celta appeared to work their means again into the sport however discovered themselves 2-0 down shortly after the half-hour mark, with Igor Matanovic squaring the ball to Beste for a easy tap-in from contained in the six-yard field.
Manzambi virtually added a 3rd simply moments later after being performed into the field by Yuito Suzuki, however the former might solely strike the surface of the submit from a good angle as Celta discovered themselves below a number of strain.
And that strain ultimately advised within the 78th minute, as Ginter rose highest to move Beste’s nook past Sergio Carreira on the road, permitting Freiburg to place one foot within the semi-final.
Freiburg dominate at house #UEL pic.twitter.com/y2Lvw5RDSF
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 9, 2026
Knowledge Debrief: Spectacular defence lays basis for robust assault
Freiburg’s attacking prowess was matched on the again as Celta failed to aim a shot on course; it’s the primary time they failed to aim a shot on objective in a sport within the Europa League (since a minimum of 2007).
Freiburg have now stored a clear sheet in 5 of their 11 Europa League video games this season; solely Aston Villa (six) and Sporting Braga (seven) have completed this extra typically in 2025-26.
Total, Freiburg produced 1.56 anticipated targets (xG) from 13 photographs to Celta’s 0.58 from 4 makes an attempt, with the Galician outfit’s European title hopes taking a critical blow.
