Union dent Freiburg's top-four hopes with victory

Union Berlin won 2-1 at Freiburg on Sunday, denting their opponent's Champions League hopes while taking a major step towards maintaining their own status as a top-flight team next season.

Freiburg took the lead with 29 minutes played when Lucas Hoeler hammered in a Vincenzo Grifo low cross.

The visitors hit back just one minute later, captain Rani Khedira firing in following an Andrej Ilic assist.

Ilic then got on the scoresheet three minutes into the second half, heading a Tim Skarke cross into the top corner.

Freiburg dominated possession for the remainder of the game but struggled to break down Union.

The loss, just Freiburg's third home defeat of the season, leaves them in seventh, three points off the top four. Freiburg have never played in the Champions League.

The win took Union, who needed a final-day victory last season at home against Freiburg to beat the drop, to 30 points, eight clear of the relegation playoff spot.

Union's recent form looks to have lifted the club out of the relegation mire.

In the past three weeks, Union have beaten top-four hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg, while holding league leaders Bayern Munich to a draw at home.

Later on Sunday, Borussia Dortmund can boost their flickering chances of finishing in the Champions League placings with a win at home to Mainz.

Mainz, who surprisingly sit fourth after fighting relegation last season, are on track for a first-ever Champions League participation.