Freiburg climb past Gladbach after late winner

Johan Manzambi’s late winner gave Freiburg a narrow victory over Gladbach.

SC Freiburg came from behind to defeat Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-1 at Borussia-Park in a crucial clash for European spots in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Mönchengladbach took the lead in the 14th minute when Christian Günter accidentally turned Franck Honorat’s cross into his own net, sending the ball past Freiburg goalkeeper Florian Müller.

However, Freiburg responded quickly as Patrick Osterhage, in an unmarked position, powered a header into the net to level the score.

Robin Hack almost regained the lead for Gladbach in the 35th minute, but his shot hit the post after he evaded a defender.

At the other end, Ritsu Doan fired just wide on the stroke of half-time as both teams went into the break level.

Freiburg came out strong in the second half, and five minutes after the restart, Junior Adamu unleashed a powerful shot, but Tiago Pereira Cardoso made a fine save to deny him.

Freiburg continued to press for the lead and came close again on the hour mark when Lucas Höler’s effort was kept out by another excellent save from Cardoso.

The breakthrough came late, though, when 19-year-old Johan Manzambi rose to head home the winner with just minutes remaining.

The victory sees Freiburg leapfrog Gladbach into sixth place in the Bundesliga table.