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
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 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)
41 mins: Fabianski tries to launch the ball long up to Antonio, but it’s easily defended and the ball goes back to Freiburg, who are taking their time here. It’s not yet become rushed.
West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)
40 mins: Another opportunity for Freiburg as they try and find a way back into the match, but it falls again into the gloves of Fabianski.
West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)
38 mins: Chance! It’s a tame effort from Eggestein but a chance nonetheless, his effort lacked power and was easily saved by Fabianski in goal for the Hammers.
West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)
36 mins: The travelling bouncing fans have just been subdued a bit following that strike from Bowen.
They now need a goal to take this game to extra time, and a reminder that away goals do not count for anything extra any more.
GOAL! Jarrod Bowen strikes - West Ham 2-0 Freiburg (2-1)
GOAL! 33 mins: Jarrod Bowen unleashes a stunner!
West Ham have been unstoppable in this game so far, but that is all an individual effort, he gets past two defenders on his way towards the centre, and from the edge of the box unleashes a left-footed effort into the corner of the goal to put his side ahead!
West Ham 1-0 Freiburg (1-1)
31 mins: Antonio has been very good since the start of the game today, active on both wings and causing all sorts of problems for the Freiburg defence.
West Ham 1-0 Freiburg (1-1)
30 mins: Freiburg have a shot from range easily blocked, and the Hammers come forward again, Antonio managed to get a cross in but it’s blocked clear
West Ham 1-0 Freiburg (1-1)
28 mins: There’s a looping cross into the Hammers’ box and it’s easily defended, and only gives them the chance to mount an attack of their own.
West Ham 1-0 Freiburg (1-1)
26 mins: Freiburg try and bulldoze their way through and the hosts have a free kick inside their own area.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments