Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

West Ham vs Freiburg LIVE: Europa League result and reaction after Kudus strikes twice including stunner

Follow all the latest updates from the Europa League clash at the London Stadium

Sonia Twigg
Thursday 14 March 2024 16:17 EDT
Comments
Related video: Huge admiration for Moyes as he is doing brilliant job with West Ham, says Dyche

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

West Ham have booked their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s second-tier competition with an emphatic 5-0 win on the night, and 5-1 on aggregate against Freiburg.

The Hammers fell to a controversial 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. David Moyes’ side were controversially denied a late penalty to level the match.

But in the return leg they fired on all cylinders. It started from Lucas Paqueta’s ninth-minute tap in to level the tie, before Jarrod Bowen, Aaron Cresswell and Mohammed Kudus also got their names on the score sheet.

Kudus’ first was the goal of the evening, a stunning individual effort that stemmed from him winning the ball by cutting out a ball inside his own half before running forward, leaving defenders in his wake to set up the shot and fire the ball into the corner of the goal.

In the pre-match press conference, Moyes insisted the club have been enjoying their recent European runs, he said: “If you want to be on the big stage, now is the time to act. If you can’t perform, don’t go on stage. From the first game we had in Europe, we’ve been on a good ride and no one wants that to end.” And the Hammers will have a chance to extend that after their win over Freiburg.

Follow all the live action in the blog below, and get the latest odds and tips here.

West Ham 3-0 Freiburg (3-1)

55 mins: It will take a mammoth effort from Freiburg to find a way back into the game now, they have not looked very threatening all match and need two goals to take it to extra time.

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 19:00

GOAL! Aaron Cresswell makes it three! - West Ham 3-0 (3-1)

GOAL! 52 mins: Bowen finds Cresswell inside the box, he takes a touch to set up the shot and then left-footed, drives it into the back of the net.

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:56

West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)

51 mins: West Ham clear the ball upfield and will have their own chance to give themselves breathing room.

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:55

West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)

50 mins: Freiburg might not be pressing quickly, but the Hammers are sitting a long way back and just inviting pressure. Coufal clears, but not very far and it will be a throw to the visitors and a chance for a long ball into the box.

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:54

West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)

48 mins: The second half has started in the same way as the first finished, there was a decent cross in from the wings, for the visitors but half-time substitute Gregoritschat headed far over the bar.

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:52

West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)

46 mins: West Ham get the second half underway

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:49

Half time: West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)

Here are some photos from the first half:

(Nigel French/PA Wire)
(Nigel French/PA Wire)
(Nigel French/PA Wire)
Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:45

First half stats:

Freiburg had more of the possession with 57 percent, but fewer shots, 6 compared to 7, and just one of those was on target.

West Ham have had 5 corners and three shots on target, but have committed more fouls, 6 compared to 2.

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:40

Half time: West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)

HT: That has all gone West Ham’s way, it has been a masterclass, after Paqueta’s early strike levelled the tie, Bowen’s just after the half hour mark has put them firmly in the driving seat.

Freiburg will have to come out and show something different after the half time break.

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:34

West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)

44 mins: Just on the stroke of half time and the match has slowed down quite a lot.

Sonia Twigg14 March 2024 18:31

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in