Despite Celta Vigo entering the match with a legendary 11-game winning streak in European home second legs, they were unable to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg in Germany. Julian Schusters men proved too disciplined and lethal on the counter-attack for the Galician side to handle.
FIRST HALF CLINIC BY MATANOVIC AND SUZUKI
Celta Vigo started with intent, controlling 56 percent of the possession and registering 15 shots throughout the night, but their finishing lacked the precision required for a historic comeback. The opening blow came in the 33rd minute when Igor Matanovic silenced the home crowd. Following a clever knockdown from Jordy Makengo, Matanovic unleashed a stunning left-footed volley from outside the area that flew past goalkeeper Ionut Radu. While initially flagged for offside, the goal was awarded after a VAR review.
SECOND HALF CONTROL AND LATE CONSOLATION
Celta manager Claudio Giraldez made a triple substitution at halftime, bringing on club legend Iago Aspas and young talent Williot Swedberg to spark a miracle. However, Freiburg struck again just five minutes into the second half. Yuito Suzuki grabbed his second of the game, pouncing on a rebound after Makengo had outmuscled the Celta defense to create the opening.
Leading 3-0 on the night and 6-0 on aggregate, Freiburg shifted into game-management mode. While Celta Vigo continued to press, missing four big chances during the match, they only managed to find the net in the 90th minute. Williot Swedberg scored a sliding consolation goal from a Hugo Alvarez cross, but it was far too little, far too late.
HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR FREIBURG
This victory marks the furthest SC Freiburg has ever progressed in a major European competition. Before this 2025-2026 campaign, the club had never moved past the Round of 16. Their clinical performance in Spain highlighted a growing trend of Bundesliga dominance, following Bayern Munichs recent success over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
MATCH STATISTICS SUMMARY
• Final Score: Celta Vigo 1-3 SC Freiburg (1-6 Aggregate)
• Scorers: Freiburg: Igor Matanovic (33), Yuito Suzuki (39, 50)
• Celta Vigo: Williot Swedberg (90)
• Venue: Estadio de Balaidos, Vigo
• Attendance: 22,000
WHAT IS NEXT
SC Freiburg moves on to the Europa League semi-finals where they will face Portuguese side Braga, who eliminated Real Betis in their respective quarter-final. For Celta Vigo, the focus returns to La Liga as they look to secure European football again for next season.