SC Freiburg secured a 2-1 victory over 1. FC Heidenheim at Europa-Park Stadion, with Maximilian Eggestein's late goal proving decisive in a hard-fought Bundesliga encounter.
Freiburg entered the match in eighth place with 40 points from 29 games, looking to build momentum after a mixed run of results. Heidenheim, struggling in 18th position with just 19 points, desperately needed a positive result to boost their survival hopes. The visitors arrived with superior possession statistics but faced an uphill battle against a determined home side.
Freiburg struck first in the 24th minute when Johan Manzambi fired past Heidenheim's goalkeeper. The forward's clinical finish gave the hosts an early advantage and set the tone for the opening period. Manzambi's movement in the box proved crucial, and his composure in front of goal earned him a match rating of 8.3.
The home team controlled much of the first half despite Heidenheim's 54% possession. Freiburg created more threatening chances and looked the more dangerous outfit going forward. Vincenzo Grifo orchestrated play from wide positions, creating two key passes and keeping Heidenheim's defense under constant pressure.
Heidenheim offered little attacking threat in the first 45 minutes. The visitors managed only two shots on target and struggled to break down Freiburg's organized defense. Their expected goals figure of 1.57 reflected their lack of clear-cut opportunities during the opening period.
The second half began with Heidenheim determined to change the narrative. In the 58th minute, Budu Zivzivadze pulled one back for the visitors, reigniting hopes of a comeback. The goal gave Heidenheim belief and forced Freiburg to respond tactically to the threat posed by their opponents.
However, Freiburg regained control as the match progressed. The hosts maintained their intensity and created additional chances through sustained pressure. Eggestein proved pivotal off the bench, and his introduction added fresh energy to Freiburg's attacking play.
In the 83rd minute, Eggestein sealed the victory with a composed finish. The midfielder's goal came at a crucial moment and effectively ended Heidenheim's comeback hopes. Eggestein's decisive intervention showcased his importance to Freiburg's attacking setup.
The statistics reflected Freiburg's control throughout. The hosts registered 17 total shots compared to Heidenheim's 13. Freiburg's 77% pass accuracy proved superior to their opponents' 81%, though the visitors dominated possession with 54% to 46%.
Freiburg's goalkeeper made just one save compared to Heidenheim's two, underlining the visitors' limited attacking opportunities. Manzambi and Eggestein combined for both goals, with Lucas Höler providing crucial support through his three key passes and defensive contributions.
This victory consolidates Freiburg's mid-table position and extends their recent form. Heidenheim remains in the relegation zone and faces mounting pressure as the season reaches its climax. The result underscores the gap between the two sides and highlights Heidenheim's continued struggle for consistency.
