Substitute Michael Gregoritsch's late winner helped Freiburg secure a 1-0 win over West Ham in the first leg of the last 16 in the Europa League on Thursday.

Chances were at a premium in the first 45 minutes as both sides started defensively orientated into the clash.

It wasn't until 30 minutes in that Lucas Holer got the first significant chance, forcing West Ham's goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski into a save from 14 meters out, thanks to Roland Sallai's setup.

Moments later, West Ham came close as well, as Jarrod Bowen's volley missed the target just wide.

Freiburg created the first chance three minutes into the second half after Sallai's deflected sideways scissor kick forced Fabianski into action.

West Ham responded with a promising opportunity at the other end of the pitch in the 53rd minute when Konstantinos Mavropanos rattled the woodwork from a tight angle.

The Premier League outfit increased the pressure as Lucas Paqueta's dangerous header went over the target before Freiburg custodian Noah Atubolu had to tip Bowen's curl around the crossbar at the hour mark.

Atubolu remained busy as he had to defuse James Ward-Prowse's shot from the edge of the box in the 76th minute.

The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Gregoritsch finished a play started by Sallai, putting Freiburg ahead. Late in the game, a handball incident involving Noah Weisshaupt was reviewed, but no penalty was awarded.

With the result, Freiburg will take a narrow 1-0 advantage into the second leg at West Ham on March 14.

"Really proud of the boys. We staged a good and focused performance. West Ham is a quality club. We increased the pressure in the closing stages and secured a deserved victory," said Freiburg captain Christian Gunter.