Freiburg endured a difficult evening in Conference League action as AS Monaco claimed a convincing 3-0 victory, with Paris Brunner and Lamine Camara among the goalscorers.

Freiburg’s unbeaten start to their European campaign came to an abrupt halt as Monaco capitalised on their opportunities at the Stade Louis II, leaving Julian Schuster’s side with plenty to reflect on after a disappointing performance.

Having opened their league-phase campaign with a 3-2 victory over Jablonec, the Bundesliga outfit had travelled to France looking to build on that result. However, they struggled to make their attacking pressure count against a Monaco side that proved considerably more clinical in front of goal.

Freiburg suffered an early setback when Patrick Osterhage was introduced in place of Yannik Engelhardt after just 15 minutes, forcing Schuster into an enforced change to his midfield.

Despite that disruption, the visitors remained competitive during the opening period and looked to create opportunities through their wide players. However, Monaco gradually gained control of the contest and eventually found the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time.

Paris Brunner, who had emerged as a key attacking figure for the hosts under Filipe Luís, put Monaco ahead in the 45th minute. The forward received the ball inside the Freiburg half before flicking the ball intelligently over Max Rosenfelder’s head and racing through on goal to calmly slot home. 

The timing of the goal was particularly damaging for Schuster’s side, who had to regroup after conceding at the worst possible moment.

Freiburg made a change at half-time, with Lucas Höler replacing Yuito Suzuki as the visitors attempted to find a route back into the match.

Schuster subsequently turned to his bench again, introducing Philipp Treu and Derry Scherhant in the 62nd minute in an effort to inject fresh energy into the side.

Freiburg saw plenty of the ball and continued to search for an equaliser, but their possession failed to translate into a consistent threat in the final third.

Monaco, meanwhile, remained dangerous and strengthened their grip on the contest in the closing stages. Lamine Camara struck in the 83rd minute to make it 2-0, leaving Freiburg with little time to mount a comeback.

The hosts then added a late third goal through Ansu Fati to complete a comprehensive victory, underlining the difference in attacking efficiency between the two sides on the night.

The result represents a setback for Freiburg in their bid to progress through the Conference League league phase, particularly after their positive opening victory against Jablonec.

Schuster’s team will be disappointed by their inability to turn possession and attacking pressure into clear-cut opportunities. Despite registering more possession and corners than Monaco, Freiburg managed only one shot on target, highlighting their struggles to threaten the home side’s goal.

Attention will now turn to Freiburg’s response, with a demanding domestic schedule awaiting them as they host Bayern Munich on Sunday. After suffering a 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen last weekend, they will be keen to put their European disappointment behind them and return to winning ways.