Freiburg can almost certainly look forward to European football next season after victory over relegated Fürth
Freiburg can almost certainly look forward to European football next season after victory over relegated Fürth

Europe beckons for Fürth-slaying Freiburg

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Fürth - Greuther Fürth's relegation to Bundesliga 2 may have been set in stone for some time now, but still they refuse to go down without a fight. Yet even though they went in front, the Clover Leaves ultimately failed to record their first home win of the season in their last chance to pick up maximum points in front of their own fans, losing 2-1 to Freiburg.

Fightback

The hosts took an early lead when Matthias Zimmerman fired them ahead in the third minute. Despite dominating the rest of the half and overpowering Fürth with their non-stop running and swift breaks forward, Freiburg could not find an equaliser against the deep-lying hosts.

That all changed in the second period, as Freiburg cranked the pressure up a notch and ultimately shattered Fürth's resistance. Goals from Jonathan Schmid and Max Kruse turned the game on its head, leaving the hosts on the ropes and unable to muster a fightback.

The defeat means Fürth become the first team in Bundesliga history to go all season without a home win, while their return of 13 losses on home soil is likewise an unwanted record. Meanwhile, Freiburg's haul of 23 points on the road this term is the club's second-best tally ever and has helped all but ensure them a ticket to European football next season.

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