Freiburg win keeps European hopes alive

Freiburg have boosted their hopes of Europa League qualification this afternoon with a 2-0 victory over Augsburg in the Bundesliga.

The visitors were desperate for a positive result to ease their relegation worries and went close early on as Sascha Molders tested Oliver Baumann from close range.

Freiburg grew in stature as the first half unfolded and took the lead after 30 minutes through Cedrick Makiadi, who tapped home from close range after following up a strike from Jonathan Schmid.

Early in the second half the home side doubled their advantage as Schmid bent a clever shot into the bottom corner following strong approach play from Max Kruse.

The talented winger then went close to a third as his powerful effort forced a fine stop from Alex Manninger, with Freiburg dictating play in an impressive second-half performance.

Augsburg were unable to mount a response in the closing stages as the visitors were left to rue their early missed chances.