Freiburg moved three points clear of the Bundesliga relegation zone thanks to a vital 1-0 victory over FC Koln at the Dreisamstadion.
It was the visitors who dominated possession for long spells of the first half, but chances were difficult to come by for both sides in a largely uneventful opening 45 minutes.
However, Freiburg came into the contest as the match progressed, and the deadlock was broken eight minutes before the break when Mike Frantz headed home after meeting Oliver Sorg's inviting cross.
Koln were on top after the break, but they missed a good opportunity to get back on level terms when Slawomir Peszko dragged an effort wide of the post.
A stubborn defensive display from the hosts proved to be key as Koln's ability to dictate the tempo counted for very little in the final third of the pitch.
Despite limiting the opportunities on offer, Freiburg almost saw a valuable victory snatched away from them late on when Marcel Risse rattled the post.
However, Christian Streich's side held on to move within two points of their opponents, who remain 12th in the Bundesliga.
Callum Mulvihill
