Ahead of the game, Julian Schuster and Philipp Lienhart had spoken about the home fans and the atmosphere they were expecting in Vigo. This was already evident long before kick-off when Celta’s team bus arrived at the stadium. As the players entered the ground, thousands of the Spanish side’s fans gathered to welcome the team with blue smoke and chants of “¡Sí, se puede!” (Yes, we can do it!”).

Soon after, SC were greeted with a loud chorus of whistles. Would the home fans’ optimism spur Freiburg on? It did indeed. Lienhart had said beforehand that his side would be able to “block out” the noise. And that is what the team did.

The sun beamed into the stadium due to the ongoing construction work on one stand. The atmosphere was loud and frenzied, and the action on the pitch began in a similarly frantic manner. SCF had the first opportunity of the match from a corner, though it did not end in a shot on goal. Philipp Treu then had to receive treatment after an unfortunate collision with an opponent (6’). Three minutes later, Yuito stayed down after another challenge. It had been a fiery start to the game.

“The lads were on it right from the start and the energy was there, too. Once again, we were tough to play against and made it awkward for the opponent,” said Schuster, referring to his side’s start to the game.

Unchanged from the first leg

The hosts named an attacking line-up with three strikers, while the SC coaching staff opted for the same eleven from the side’s previous meeting in Freiburg. Johan Manzambi was fit to play after his knock to the calf against Mainz. He had the first shot in the 14th minute, but fired wide.

By this point, SCF had settled the game and were keeping possession well. Celta, who were trailing 3-0 from the first leg, were still yet to have a shot on goal after 20 minutes. The Spanish side struggled to find space in attack against a solid and alert SC defence. The hosts also found it difficult to build from the back, as Igor Matanovic and his teammates repeatedly disrupted their forward play at the first opportunity.

VAR awards the opener

In the 33rd minute, the match was paused for several minutes because of a VAR check. The officials were reviewing a goal from Igor Matanovic, who had hammered a spectacular volley into the top corner after a headed pass from Jordy Makengo. This stunning strike was initially ruled out for offside by the on-field referee, but VAR overturned the decision soon after. Freiburg had the lead on the night.

SCF were now four goals to the good on aggregate and, in the 39th minute, they extended their lead to five. After some great link-up play, Beste’s ball from the left found Yuito in the box, and the Japan international made it 2-0. Julian Schuster praised this quickfire double from Freiburg as “two brilliant goals”. SC now had one foot in the semi-finals.

A second for Yuito

The second period began with Celta’s first real dangerous attack. Treu denied the hosts by making a block at the crucial moment and preventing the shot on Atubolu’s goal.

Freiburg, on the other hand, extended their aggregate lead further in the 52nd minute, when Yuito struck his second and his side’s third after good work from Vincenzo Grifo. The team now had control of the game, the opponent and, at times, even the stadium. “We managed to keep this incredible stadium quiet for periods of the game,” said Schuster.

In the 58th minute, substitutes Derry Scherhant and Lucas Höler had two chances in quick succession. Scherhant’s effort hit the post before Höler’s follow-up was saved by Celta goalkeeper Ionut Radu.

Celta show spirit but Beste and Atubolu on hand

Fer López was the next to threaten the SCF goal in the 67th minute, but his shot went narrowly wide. Two minutes later, Celta managed to craft an opportunity through some passing play. Beste anticipated a through ball into the penalty area and bravely made a challenge to prevent the hosts from finding the net.

The home side should be given credit for the spirit they showed. Their fans continued to will them on and their team had two chances in the 73rd minute. The first forced Atubolu to make a superb stop in a one-on-one with Jones El-Abdellaoui. A few seconds later, an effort on distance flew just inches wide. Willot Swedberg also looked to get his side on the scoresheet. He found the side netting (80’) and then the woodwork before finally scoring the consolation goal that Celta Vigo ultimately deserved (90’).

After this goal, the referee immediately blew the final whistle. In the Spanish evening sun, SC Freiburg had achieved Julian Schuster’s “great desire” and written a new chapter in the club’s history.

Photo: Torbjon Tande