Deflected goals secure battling Freiburg win over Heidenheim

SC Freiburg climbed to seventh in the Bundesliga standings after a 2-1 win over Heidenheim.

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Despite the electric atmosphere inside the stadium,  with Freiburg fans looking forward to two semi-finals, the game lacked big moments for the first 20 minutes. That was when Igor Matanović had the first chance of the match with a header from Vincenzo Grifo's corner-kick delivery.

However, Julian Schuster’s men went in front five minutes later. Patrick Mainka's big deflection from Johan Manzambi's effort made it difficult for Diant Ramaj to make a save in Heidenheim’s goal. The hosts could've extended their lead before the break, but experienced duo Grifo and Lucas Höler failed to convert from promising attacks.

That proved costly when half-time substitute Budu Zivzivadze scored for the second week running with Heidenheim’s first big chance. Freiburg nearly retook their lead right away, but Ramaj made a superb double save to thwart Höler and Matanović.

Frank Schmidt's side managed to reduce Freiburg to half chances to still keep their slight hopes of survival. Their plan proved unsuccessful at the end with yet another deflected goal. Maximilian Eggestein credited with the strike as Jonas Föhrenbach's intervention proved decisive once again. Stefan Schimmer had a couple of chances after that, but the substitute couldn't secure a late draw for the visitors.

Schuster’s team will face Stuttgart away from home in the DFB-Pokal semi-final on Thursday. Since Eintracht Frankfurt lost at home to RB Leipzig the other day, Freiburg climbed to seventh, which could be enough for a European spot come the end of the season. Heidenheim are seven points behind the relegation playoff spot with only four games left to play.