Grifo and Ginter inspire another historic night for Freiburg | OneFootball

Freiburg were all over Celta Vigo from the first whistle as they produced yet another stellar performance at home in Europe. Vincenzo Grifo’s customary strike opened the gates for Julian Schuster’s side in the tenth minute.

The former Italian international scored his tenth Europa League goal with a sublime effort from the edge of the box. Despite losing back-to-back home games in the league after conceding injury-time goals, Freiburg had a perfect record at the Europa-Park Stadion in this season’s Europa League.

And that streak seemed to continue when a well-worked team move created the second goal in the hour mark. Jan-Niklas Beste netted his first European goal with a simple tap-in after Philipp Treu and Igor Matanović’s superb play down the right flank.

Johan Manzambi was denied by the post from extending Freiburg’s lead before the half-time break. With their legendary former coach Christian Streich in the stands, Freiburg repeated the performance that knocked out Genk in the previous round.

Claudio Giráldez made a couple of attacking substitutions for the second-half. However, they were not even able to attempt a shot on target as Freiburg managed to slow down the game after the break.

The hosts then extended their advantage from set-piece play fifteen minutes before time. Matthias Ginter, who had to apologise for his antics after the heartbreaking defeat to FC Bayern, scored Freiburg’s third goal with a brilliant header from Beste’s corner-kick.

Substitute Lucas Höler came very close for Freiburg’s fourth goal of the night, but it was still a healthy lead for the Bundesliga side ahead of the return leg at Estadio de Balaídos. Celta Vigo finished the game without a single shot on target.Before next week’s return leg, Freiburg will face Mainz away from home in the closing fixture of matchday 29 in Bundesliga. Celta Vigo will entertain La Liga’s bottom-placed side, Real Oviedo.