Freiburg beat Nantes to extend unbeaten Europa League run
Amidst an energetic Europa-Park Stadion crowd, Freiburg defeated French side Nantes with goals from Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Vincenzo Grifo in their 2-0 win. They now move six points clear of 3rd place in their Europa League group.
Assistant coach Patrick Baier, who usually watches games from the stands, roamed the touchline on Thursday with Christian Streich and several other assistants out due to Covid. Three points never really looked in doubt for Freiburg, who continued their unbeaten run with a win against Nantes to begin the Europa League campaign.
Freiburg looked to create offensive chances through Ritsu Doan and Michael Gregoritsch up front in the opening minutes. But, Gregortisch was subbed off around the quarter hour mark for Nils Petersen with some sort of lower back injury.
Nantes keeper Alban Lafont's world-class save kept the game all square after Daniel-Kofi Kyereh's shot was deflected. Freiburg were the more promising side offensively, but couldn't completely break down Nantes' defense heading into halftime.
The Breisgau club continued on the front foot to begin the second period and finally got their goal. Doan found Kyereh in the box after a slip by Pedro Chirivella to give Freiburg a 48th minute deserved advantage.
Nantes had no answer for Christian Günter and Vincenzo Grifo's link-up play down the left, as Freiburg dominated possession. Kyereh, the summer signing from St. Pauli, really impressed today with his never-ending motor.
Grifo made it 2-0 with a composed and confident 72nd minute finish and Freiburg avoided some late Nantes chances to wrap things up. Supporters will be hoping Gregoritsch does not have a serious injury even with fellow striker Lucas Höler nearing a return.
The team from the Black Forest are closing in on a place in the knockout stages of the Europe League, as they remain unbeaten and three points clear of Qarabag with just a few group contests left to play.