Break does Freiburg good

Freiburg struck four times in the second half to claim a 4-2 victory against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Freiburg struck four times in the second half to claim a 4-2 victory against Borussia Monchengladbach which all-but secures their place in the Bundesliga for next season. The hosts trailed to a Patrick Herrmann goal but a double from Admir Mehmedi, a goal of the season contender from Oliver Sorg and one courtesy of record signing Vladimir Darida put some gloss on an incredible performance from the hosts. Gladbach cut the deficit in the 89th minute when Havard Nordtveit netted. They started the match with notable purpose in the hunt for the fourth Champions League spot and they took the lead in the ninth minute. Juan Arango, who netted an injury-time equaliser last week against Stuttgart, picked out the intelligent run in-field of Herrmann, the Gladbach attacker tucking home from 12 yards. Freiburg responded well for a small patch, pushing their offensive line-up further forward, but lacked the creativity to break down a stern Borussia rearguard. Gladbach's Raffael came within inches of adding a second in the 33rd minute, as the defenders eventually crowded him out after he linked with Max Kruse and rounded Freiburg goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. But Christian Streich's half-time words prompted a vibrant response from Freiburg, who were level within six minutes. Jonathan Schmid had already announced his introduction to the game with a shot to force Marc-Andre ter Stegen into action. He then turned provider however for Freiburg's top scorer Mehmedi whose shot clipped Tony Jantschke and looped over the Germany Under-21 goalkeeper for the equaliser. But the game potentially hinged on a crucial moment after 63 minutes. Raffael was tripped by Christian Gunter and Filip Daems saw his penalty kick saved by Baumann. It all started to fall apart for Gladbach after that as Granit Xhaka was sent off for a second bookable offence midway through the half. In the 70th minute Sorg smashed an incredible 35-yard strike into the top corner to send Freiburg ahead for the first time in the game. Less than a minute later Freiburg found a third from another quick break, Felix Klaus passing inside to Darida who squeezed the ball past Ter Stegen. Mehmedi made it a brace for the afternoon, dribbling round the helpless Gladbach goalkeeper and slotting home despite the best efforts of Jantschke. The three points were safe - and perhaps their Bundesliga status assured - even in spite of Norwegian midfielder Nordtveit scoring a late consolation.