Schalke 04's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have been dealt another blow as they played out a goalless draw with Freiburg.

Predictably, it was Schalke who dictated the tempo for much of the game, but Freiburg's defence remained stubborn to restrict the opportunities on offer to Roberto Di Matteo's side.

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Max Meyer had already sent a decent effort wide of the target before coming even closer later in the first half when he dragged a low shot just past the post.

A largely uneventful opening 45 minutes almost ended with Freiburg breaking the deadlock against the run of play, but Sascha Riether was left frustrated as his deflected strike drifted just wide.

Schalke started the second half brightly, with Benedikt Howedes coming close to opening the scoring when he headed straight at Roman Burki from a corner.

However, it was the visitors who were gifted the chance to take the lead when Howedes brought down Admir Mehmedi inside the box.

Julian Schuster stepped up from 12 yards, but a great opportunity was wasted as he sent his penalty over the crossbar.

Schalke piled on the pressure after the home fans were left breathing a huge sigh of relief, but chances were wasted by the hosts as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting fired straight at Burki before Jefferson Farfan headed over from a good position.

Freiburg struggled to hold off Schalke in the closing stages, but Burki was the hero for the visitors late on as he kept out a powerful effort from substitute Julian Draxler to secure a point for his side.