Late Matanovic header earns previous three points for Freiburg | OneFootball

Freiburg made things much more difficult for themselves than they would have imagined against Maccabi Tel Aviv, before eventually reaping the rewards of their consistent pressure throughout the 90 - all but securing their path to the Europa League round of 16.

The first effort of the match came from Croatian striker Igor Matanovic, as Freiburg looked to claim control throughout the early stages. The forward did well to meet the corner from Niklas Beste, though his header sailed over the bar. 

Derry Scherhant looked the most lively for Freiburg throughout the opening 45, and the youngster felt aggrieved in the 30th minute after he was bundled over in the box by Itai Ben Hamo, before referee Mohammed Al Hakim remained unnerved. 

Freiburg were beginning to pick up the pace after creating relatively nothing when compared to their possession. 

For 47 of the 48 first-half minutes, proceedings could not have been more comfortable for Noah Atubolu in between the sticks for Freiburg. Though he was forced into action in the dying stages. 

The young shotstopper was forced into a strong save by Sayed Abu Farhi, who sent a powerful header towards goal on the stroke of half-time - the biggest moment of the half for either side. 

Julian Schuster will pick his mind all evening as to how his side did not take the lead in the 55th minute, after Freiburg failed to score from a sensational triple chance.

Mathias Ginter forced a save out of Roi Mishpati from an inviting corner, Matanovic hit the crossbar from close range, and Yuito Suzuki blazed an effort over the bar in a matter of seconds. 

Matanovic, though, will be the one with his head in his hands, after missing an effort that can only be described as harder to miss than score.

With Freiburg piling on the pressure following the introduction of Johan Mazambi, it would be Matanovic who would stunningly make amends. 

Meeting a delicious Christian Günter ball, he would guide the ball beautifully into the far left corner. The hosts finally had lift-off to all but secure their place in the round of 16 - eliminating Maccabi Tel Aviv in the process.