Igor Matanovic’s two goals were not enough to stop Europa League finalists Freiburg from losing 3-2 to Hamburger SV. Bundesliga on sunday.
Bakery Jatta took the lead for Hamburg after a free pass, but Matanovic quickly equalized for Freiburg. Hamburg took control in the second half with goals from Luka Vusković and Fabio Balde, and Matanovic’s header in the 87th minute was just a consolation goal for Freiburg.
This loss ended seventh-place Freiburg’s hopes of qualifying for the Conference League via the Bundesliga. Freiburg could qualify for the Champions League if they defeat Aston Villa. europa league final Hamburg moved up one place to 11th place.
Later on Sunday, bottom-placed Heidenheim face Cologne, who need at least a point to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt has been in charge for 19 years, overseeing promotion from the fourth division and last season’s trip to Europe in the Conference League. He has yet to experience relegation.
The bottom two teams will be automatically relegated, and the 16th place team will face a promotion/relegation play-off against teams from the second division.
Pioneer coach on Sunday too Marie-Louise Eta Her Union Berlin team will play against Mainz. Eta is playing her fourth game as the first female head coach in Europe’s top five men’s leagues, with Union still without a win. Union, who are avoiding relegation, will be aiming to build on their draw with Cologne last week.
Etta’s five-game stint as interim head coach is due to end next week when Union host Augsburg in their final game of the season. She has already agreed to coach the Union women’s team next season.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
