SC Freiburg Reaches Europa League Quarterfinals with Manzambi’s Assist

SC Freiburg has advanced to the quarter-finals of a European competition for the first time in its 122-year history, defeating Genk 5-1 in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit. Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi contributed an assist in the victory.

Freiburg Overcomes Genk in Decisive Second Leg

After a 0-1 loss in the first leg, Freiburg quickly turned the tide at home, with Matthias Ginter and Igor Matanovic scoring to put them ahead within the first 25 minutes. Genk equalized before halftime, but Freiburg ultimately dominated the match.

Grifo Makes History, Manzambi Contributes

Vincenzo Grifo scored Freiburg’s crucial third goal, assisted by Johan Manzambi, bringing his total to 106 goals for the club and surpassing Nils Petersen as Freiburg’s all-time leading scorer. This goal also secured Freiburg’s place in the Europa League quarter-finals, a feat they had previously failed to achieve in 2023 and 2024, losing to Juventus Turin and West Ham United respectively.

Other Swiss Players in European Competition

Several other Swiss players also saw action in European competitions:

• Ricardo Rodriguez (Betis Sevilla) advanced to the round of the last eight.
• Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest)
• Remo Freuler and Simon Sohm (both Bologna) also progressed, though Freuler’s late penalty conceded nearly cost Bologna their victory against AS Roma, ultimately winning 4-3 in extra time. Freuler scored the winning goal in stoppage time.

Conference League Success for Fischer and Mainz

Urs Fischer, the Swiss coach of Mainz, led his team to the Conference League quarter-finals with a 2-0 home win against Sigma Olomouc, following a goalless first leg. Stefan Posch and Armindo Sieb scored the goals for Mainz. Silvan Widmer was substituted during the match.

AEK Athens Advances

AEK Athens, featuring Dereck Kutesa, also reached the quarter-finals despite a 2-0 loss to Celje in the second leg, having won the first leg 4-0 in Slovenia.

(abu/sda)