Michael Gregoritsch starred as Freiburg boosted their hopes of again qualifying for Europe with a 2-1 Bundesliga win at fourth-bottom Bochum on Sunday.
Later, unbeaten leaders Bayer Leverkusen can re-establish their 10-point advantage over Bayern Munich with nine games to go with a win at home to Wolfsburg. Eintracht Frankfurt also take on Hoffenheim.
Freiburg coach Christian Streich brought Gregoritsch into the starting line-up following his winning goal off the bench in Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg against West Ham United.
And it was the Austria forward who bravely headed on a cross for midfielder Maximilian Eggestein to slot home his first of the league season on 36 minutes.
Gregoritsch extended the lead when he nodded in Ritsu Doan's inviting cross on 53 minutes and although Ivan Ordets pulled one back for Bochum, the Black Forest club did well to hang on for the win.
Freiburg, who have their second leg at West Ham this Thursday, moved up to eighth in the Bundesliga and sit just four points from a guaranteed Conference League spot currently occupied by sixth-placed Frankfurt.
Bochum, who had their chances and a penalty appeal waved away, were looking strong at home but have now lost their last two games at the Ruhrstadion since stunning Bayern 3-2 there last month.
It is now three defeats in a row across the board for Thomas Letsch's side, who are seven points above Cologne in the relegation play-off spot.
