Freiburg II extend lead

Freiburg II increased their lead to seven points at the top of the German Regionalliga Südwest after they beat Hoffenheim II 2-0 and their rivals failed to win.

First half

The hosts dominated the first half but were unable to convert their chances as Nishan Burkart and the recalled Emilio Kehrer went close.

Hoffenheim were a threat on the counter and almost went ahead through Niklas Kölle.

Second half

In the second half, Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu prevented a goal with a key block from a close-range shot by Rui Jorge Monteiro-Mendes after a cross from Georginio Rutter.

The hosts took advantage of some sloppy play to go ahead. A miscued pass from the back was intercepted by Burkart, who was then clumsily brought down in the area by Melayro Bogarde.

He converted the penalty to score his 14th goal of the season.

The hosts doubled their lead seven minutes later after a well-worked move.

Luca Hermann played an inch-perfect through ball to send Burkart through on the left-side of the box. He teed up Kehrer, who had a shot blocked but the rebound fell nicely for Guillaume Furrer to stroke the ball into the corner.

What it means

It was the 18th win of the season for Freiburg, who have won three of their last four and are in a commanding position in the table with 13 games to play. Hoffenheim II are 18th with 31 points and were beaten for the first time in four games.