Substitute Michael Gregoritsch's late winner helped Freiburg secure a 1-0 win over West Ham in the first leg of the last 16 in the Europa League on Thursday.
Chances were at a premium in the first 45 minutes as both sides started defensively orientated into the clash.
It wasn't until 30 minutes in that Lucas Holer got the first significant chance, forcing West Ham's goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski into a save from 14 meters out, thanks to Roland Sallai's setup.
Moments later, West Ham came close as well, as Jarrod Bowen's volley missed the target just wide.
Freiburg created the first chance three minutes into the second half after Sallai's deflected sideways scissor kick forced Fabianski into action.
West Ham responded with a promising opportunity at the other end of the pitch in the 53rd minute when Konstantinos Mavropanos rattled the woodwork from a tight angle.
The Premier League outfit increased the pressure as Lucas Paqueta's dangerous header went over the target before Freiburg custodian Noah Atubolu had to tip Bowen's curl around the crossbar at the hour mark.
Atubolu remained busy as he had to defuse James Ward-Prowse's shot from the edge of the box in the 76th minute.
The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Gregoritsch finished a play started by Sallai, putting Freiburg ahead. Late in the game, a handball incident involving Noah Weisshaupt was reviewed, but no penalty was awarded.
With the result, Freiburg will take a narrow 1-0 advantage into the second leg at West Ham on March 14.
"Really proud of the boys. We staged a good and focused performance. West Ham is a quality club. We increased the pressure in the closing stages and secured a deserved victory," said Freiburg captain Christian Gunter.
What a blast to work at NASA. Space agency is sky
Jetstar passenger left speechless after flight attendant knocked back his simple request
Former resident aboard world's most exclusive invite
The biggest holiday price hikes of the past 50 years revealed by Which?
Germany's foreign minister visits Kyiv as Ukraine battles to hold off a Russian offensive
Holiday firm On The Beach takes to social media to fire back at 'abusive, snobby and fat
People from across the globe reveal the 'obvious signs that someone is an American'
A brush with Van Gogh in picture
Brazil replaces injured goalkeeper Ederson in Copa America squad
Plane passenger is left horrified by canoodling couple who spent entire four