BERLIN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Freiburg consolidated third place in the Bundesliga with a 2-0 home victory over Union Berlin on Sunday, extending its winning streak to four matches across all competitions.
The host dominated possession from the outset, with Union sitting deep and offering little attacking threat. Derry Scherhant forced goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow into an early save before Igor Matanovic headed over the bar.
Ronnow remained busy as Freiburg increased the pressure. He denied Suzuki in the 37th minute, with the Japanese midfielder's effort also brushing the post, and produced another sharp save to keep out Matanovic's header five minutes later.
Union failed to register a shot before halftime, but Freiburg had nothing to show for its dominance as the teams went into the break level.
Union coach Mauro Lustrinelli introduced Oliver Burke and Woo-yeong Jeong for the second half, although the changes did little to alter the pattern of play.
Freiburg finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Suzuki helped initiate the move before Niklas Beste drove a cross into the area, where Rani Khedira inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The host doubled its advantage 12 minutes later after Scherhant won possession and released Suzuki. The Japan international rounded Ronnow and calmly lifted the ball into the net to put Freiburg firmly in control.
Union showed greater attacking intent thereafter but struggled to trouble Freiburg's defense. At the other end, substitute Vincenzo Grifo had an opportunity to extend the lead after Andras Schafer brought down Keisuke Goto inside the area.
Ronnow saved Grifo's 84th-minute penalty, pushing the ball against the post, and made further saves to prevent a heavier defeat.
"I am very satisfied. We had to be patient and maintain our discipline," Freiburg coach Julian Schuster said.
"We cannot be satisfied with the way we conceded the goals. At the same time, we must acknowledge that Freiburg deserved to win today," Lustrinelli said.
Freiburg moved to 19 points from nine matches, two behind joint leaders Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Union remained 16th with seven points, having won only once this season.
Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen climbed to fifth with 16 points after beating Cologne 2-1 away, leaving the host 15th on nine. Hoffenheim defeated Schalke 2-1 to rise to ninth on 12 points, while Schalke stayed 17th with six. ■
