BERLIN, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- SC Freiburg moved closer to automatic qualification for the UEFA Europa League round of 16 after beating Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-0 at home on Thursday to extend its unbeaten continental run this season.
Julian Schuster's side made it seven games without defeat in the league phase, with five wins and two draws, as Igor Matanovic's late header broke stubborn resistance and kept Freiburg on course for a top-eight finish.
Both coaches rotated their lineups, and Freiburg initially struggled to find rhythm against an organized Maccabi defense that packed players behind the ball. Chances were limited early on, though Matanovic nearly profited from a defensive mix-up midway through the first half, only to lift his effort over the bar.
Freiburg's control became clearer as halftime approached. Yuito Suzuki volleyed narrowly wide from a set piece, before Matanovic was denied one-on-one by goalkeeper Ofir Mishpati. At the other end, Noah Atubolu was called into action once, reacting quickly to keep out Idan Abu Farchi after a corner deep into stoppage time.
Freiburg maintained the pressure after the break. Shortly before the hour, Matthias Ginter's header was cleared off the line, Matanovic hit the underside of the bar from close range and Suzuki fired just wide in a triple chance.
The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when Christian Gunter crossed from the left and Matanovic rose unmarked to guide a header into the top corner.
The three points lifted Freiburg into third place and left it close to confirming direct qualification ahead of the final league-phase matchday. Maccabi remained near the foot of the table on one point and is already out of contention. ■
