SC Freiburg and FSV Mainz 05 have advanced to the Europa League quarter‑finals. Freiburg overturned a 0‑1 first‑leg loss by winning 5‑1 in the return match against KRC Genk. Mainz earned a 2‑0 victory in the second leg against Sigma Olomouc after a 0‑0 draw in the first leg.
From the start, Freiburg were in control. Matthias Ginter opened the scoring in the 19th minute, heading a free‑kick from Vincenzo Grifo into the far corner. Igor Matanović doubled the lead six minutes later with a close‑range finish from a Ginter pass. Genk cut the deficit to 2‑1 just before halftime when Matte Smets sent the ball past the Freiburg keeper. Freiburg, however, were unfazed. A deflected backpass by the Belgian side fell to Grifo, who rebounded the ball over the goalkeeper for a 3‑1 margin. Yuito Suzuki increased the advantage to 4‑1 in the 56th minute after orchestrating a counter‑attack and finishing calmly. Max Eggestein sealed the win in the 79th minute, slotting a 16‑meter shot into the left corner after a Suzuki assist.
The spectators at the Europa‑Park‑Stadium cheered their team’s tight coordination and efficient finishing. In the second half, Genk was unable to muster any response to the host’s pressure, ultimately conceding a decisive defeat.
Mainz displayed similar intensity from the opening whistle, pressuring Czech visitors early. In the 46th minute, Stefan Posch gave Mainz the lead, lofting a precise cross from Nebel and heading it into the far corner. Mainz continued to dictate play throughout the game, allowing little space for Olomouc. After a foul in the 76th minute, Péter Baráth was shown a yellow‑red card, leaving Olomouc a man down. Mainz capitalised on the advantage, with Armindo Sieb converting a low pass from da Costa from ten metres in the 82nd minute for a 2‑0 win.
Despite a few attempts from the Czech side to turn the match around, Mainz maintained defensive solidity and denied significant chances. Fans of the German club celebrated a historic entry into the Europa League quarter‑finals, while Sigma Olomouc headed home without a goal.
