BERLIN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Second-half goals from Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Vincenzo Grifo helped Freiburg keep their perfect record after easing 2-0 past an uninspired Nantes in UEFA Europa League Group G on Thursday.
Freiburg took the reins and controlled possession from the kick-off but chances were at a premium against the passive visitors from France in the first 45 minutes.
The hosts created the best and only chance of the first half in the 32nd minute when Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont showed superb reflexs by tipping Kyereh's deflected effort around the post.
Christian Streich's side eventually broke the deadlock with great assistance from Nantes' Pedro Chirivella, who slipped and fell inside his penalty area, allowing Ritsu Doan to assist Kyereh, whose right-footed shot into the far post beat Lafont three minutes into the second half.
Freiburg gained momentum and should have doubled their advantage at the hour mark, but Lafont was equal to Christian Gunter's attempt from a tight angle.
Lafont was hapless moments later after Grifo danced through Nantes' defense before finishing the job with a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner with 72 minutes played.
Freiburg kept moving forward but Lafont neutralized Nils Petersen's long-range hammer in the 81st minute.
The visitors showed signs of life in the closing stages and produced promising chances, but Evann Guessand headed over with only Freiburg keeper Mark Flekken to beat in the 84th minute, before Samuel Moutoussamy pulled over the target from close range four minutes later.
"We defended well as a team. Even those who came from the bench. I am delighted with the result and performance. There was great energy on the pitch tonight," said Freiburg's assistant coach Patrick Baier, replacing Streich who had tested positive for COVID-19. ■
