Maicosuel's first-half goal was enough for Hoffenheim to grab an important 1-0 away win at Freiburg and jump to fifth place in the Bundesliga.

The visitors controlled the game throughout and enjoyed the majority of the chances, but had only the solitary goal to show for their efforts.

Hoffenheim have won six of their last eight games and their 20-point tally leaves them in fifth place - three points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Freiburg have won just once in six matches in front of their own fans, and have now lost four straight games to remain on 10 points in 13th place.

Hoffenheim had the first chance after just four minutes as Vedad Ibisevic sent Maicosuel charging through but Freiburg keeper Simon Pouplin blocked the Brazilian's attempt.

Hoffenheim controlled the proceedings over the next 30 minutes but could not find the final ball until, in the 38th minute, Carlos Eduardo fed Ibisevic but the Bosnian was denied by Pouplin.

Hoffenheim grabbed the lead a minute later via a perfectly placed shot by Maicosuel, who fended off two defenders just outside the area before turning and striking into the top right corner.

Carlos Eduardo saw his shot deflected just wide on the hour mark and then Andreas Ibertsberger's 25-yard blast flashed inches past the right-hand post as Hoffenheim failed to double their lead.

Freiburg finally started to show signs of life offensively, starting with Mohamadou Idrissou's header over from six yards after 62 minutes.

And Hoffenheim keeper Timo Hildebrand then turned Cedric Makiadi's shot behind after a deflection off Luis Gustavo.

Both teams had opportunities in the closing stages but could not take advantage.