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Europa League: Narrow win gives Freiburg the edge

Michael Da Silva
July 27, 2017

Freiburg hold the slightest of leads after a 1-0 win over Slovenian Cup holders Domzale in the third round of Europa League qualifying. A missed penalty from Nils Petersen kept the tie within Domzale's grasp.

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Fußball Europa League SC Freiburg - NK Domzale
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P. Seeger

Freiburg 1-0 Domzale
(Petersen 20')

Freiburg will take a narrow advantage to Slovenia next week after Nils Petersen's first half strike gave the Bundesliga side victory in their home ground on Thursday night.

Things could have been more comfortable for Christian Streich's side when they were awarded a penalty in the first half after Florian Niederlechner was taken out in the box - but Petersen's spot-kick was saved by Domzale goalkeeper Dejan Milic.

Milic was in inspired form on a soggy night in southwestern Germany, denying the hosts a second goal on multiple occasions, as Freiburg grew increasingly desperate and frustrated.

Freiburg, who went into this game on the back of impressive friendly wins against Turkish side Konyaspor and Dutch champions Feyenoord, had to settle for a 1-0 win, some way short of an ideal result.

Domzale have now only won one of 14 games against Bundesliga teams, but having navigated their way through two qualifying rounds to reach this point, they will feel they can make life difficult for Streich's side, who still have plenty of work to do if they are to return to the Europa League for the first time since 2013-14.

Next Thursday's winners will secure a place in August's playoff round, where they have the chance to reach the tournament's group stage alongside Hertha Berlin and Cologne.