Frankfurt into Champions League at Freiburg's expense | OneFootball

Eintracht Frankfurt secure UEFA Champions League spot at Freiburg's expense

Eintracht Frankfurt came from behind in Freiburg on the final day of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season to clinch a UEFA Champions League spot with a 3-1 win.

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Freiburg 1-3 Eintracht Frankfurt  Goals: 1-0 Dōan 27’ (assist: Ginter), 1-1 Knauff 45’+4 (assist: Chaïbi), 1-2 Kristensen 61’ (assist: Ekitiké), 1-3 Skhiri (63’)

The final day of the Bundesliga season saw a high-stakes encounter at the Europa-Park Stadion, with both Freiburg and Frankfurt vying for a coveted Champions League spot.

The match promised to be a thrilling contest, with Frankfurt needing just a point to secure third place, while Freiburg required a win to leapfrog their opponents. The importance of the fixture was evident in the electric atmosphere, with both sets of fans creating a cauldron of noise.

Freiburg players, including Ritsu Dōan, celebrate their opening goal which gave them early hope in their quest for Champions League qualification. (JM)

Freiburg's strong start

The home side started the brighter of the two teams, dominating possession and pinning Frankfurt back in their own half. Their efforts were rewarded in the 27th minute when Ritsu Dōan broke the deadlock. The Japanese international volleyed home from close range after a long throw-in was flicked on by Matthias Ginter, sending the home crowd into raptures. Dōan continued to be at the heart of Freiburg's attacks, but Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp made some crucial saves to keep his team in the game.

Ansgar Knauff's skilful play was crucial in Frankfurt's comeback, here seen dribbling past Philipp Lienhart (Markus Gilliar)

Frankfurt's late equaliser

Just as it seemed Freiburg would take a deserved lead into half-time, Frankfurt struck back. In the fourth minute of added time, Ansgar Knauff cleverly flicked the ball over Philipp Lienhart, whose attempted clearance went awry, allowing Knauff to slot past Noah Atubolu to level the scores. It was a sucker punch for Freiburg, who had dominated much of the first half, and a lifeline for Frankfurt heading into the break.

The midfield battle was intense throughout the match. (Markus Gilliar)

Frankfurt take control

The second half saw a complete shift in momentum. Frankfurt, buoyed by their equaliser, came out with renewed energy and purpose. Their pressure paid off in the 61st minute when Rasmus Kristensen fired them into the lead with a well-placed shot from outside the box. Before Freiburg could regroup, Frankfurt struck again. Just two minutes later, Ellyes Skhiri poked home from close range following a free-kick, effectively sealing the victory and Frankfurt's place in next season's Champions League.

Freiburg's European consolation

Despite their best efforts, Freiburg couldn't find a way back into the match. Frankfurt's defence stood firm against the home side's attacks. The result means Freiburg finish fifth in the Bundesliga, securing a spot in the Europa League. While it may be a disappointment given their strong start to the match and the season, it still represents a successful campaign for the Black Forest club.

Player of the Match: Ansgar Knauff

Knauff emerged as the standout performer in this encounter. His equaliser on the stroke of half-time was not just a display of individual brilliance, but a pivotal moment that changed the course of the match.

Knauff's goal gave Frankfurt the psychological edge going into the second half, and his overall performance was instrumental in his team's dominance after the break. The young winger's speed, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for his teammates made him a constant threat to the Freiburg defence. His contribution went beyond his goal, as he won the most duels (17) of any player on the pitch, showcasing his work rate and determination in such a high-stakes game.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Freiburg 1.17 - Frankfurt 2.13Fastest player: Max Rosenfelder (Freiburg), 33.51 km/hLowest goal probability: 2-1 by Rasmus Kristensen (Frankfurt), 4 percentMost pressed player: Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg), 25 times under pressurePass efficiency: Ansgar Knauff (Frankfurt), +3.35

Fantasy Heroes: Rasmus Kristensen (Frankfurt, 333 points), Ritsu Dōan (Freiburg, 311 points), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg, 240 points)

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