Defender Lukas Kübler scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute at Papara Park, allowing the Bundesliga side to return to winning ways in the competition and move level on six points with Trabzonspor after three matches.
Freiburg made the brighter start and took the lead from their first corner of the game. Vincenzo Grifo delivered the ball into the penalty area, where Igor Matanović’s header was saved by goalkeeper André Onana. However, Kübler reacted quickest to the rebound and fired into the top corner from close range.
The visitors nearly doubled their advantage when Matanović capitalised on another mistake from Onana, but the Trabzonspor goalkeeper recovered to make a save.
Trabzonspor gradually improved, with Mohamed Salah sending a free-kick wide before Ernest Muçi fired narrowly off target. Salah also missed a good opportunity before half-time, failing to convert from an unmarked position inside the penalty area.
The home side continued their search for an equaliser after the break, with Salah presented with a golden opportunity in the 61st minute. He met Paul Onuachu’s header following a corner but could not beat Freiburg goalkeeper Mio Backhaus from close range.
Backhaus remained impressive as Freiburg defended their advantage, while Trabzonspor struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut chances.
Onuachu came close with a late header that drifted wide, but Freiburg held firm to secure all three points.
The result ended Trabzonspor’s winning run in the competition, while Freiburg strengthened their position in the race for the knockout stages.
Result: Trabzonspor 0-1 Freiburg
Goal:
• Freiburg: Lukas Kübler 14'