Freewheel more economical than engine brake?

Hello, I noticed that I have had a little more economical consumption (combined) than when I used the engine brake. First it was illogical for me, because the engine brake and thus the thrust-off no fuel flows, but at the same time more or less the vehicle is slowed down. Otherwise, the idling is running, however, the engine brake is rolling. In the end, I use the engine brake only if I actually have to brake (for example before a traffic light) skipping gears saves m. M.n. also. Why always. Switch almost always from 3rd to 5th gear. My consumption was last 1/2 liters below the com. standard consumption. At similar speeds I was at that time with use of the engine brake or not skipping the gears about half to 3/4 liters dub Has anyone had a similar experience?