Alex Grimaldo’s free-kick proved the difference as Bayer Leverkusen kept up the pressure on Bayern Munich with a 1-0 win over Mainz in the Bundesliga.
The Spaniard struck direct from a set-piece early in the second half at the BayArena as Xabi Alonso’s champions moved within a point of leaders Bayern at the top.
European hopefuls Mainz frustrated Leverkusen for large spells and had chances to level, but the hosts held on.
Another Werkself win! 🙌
90+4′ | 1-0 | #B04M05 pic.twitter.com/zdSRRBJWWV
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 14, 2025
Leverkusen made a lively start as Patrik Schick had an effort cleared off the line before Aleix Garcia saw a shot blocked and Piero Hincapie missed the target.
Stefan Bell drew a save from Matej Kovar at the other end, but the hosts remained on top with Schick, Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz all having chances snuffed out.
Robin Zentner then kept out an Exequiel Palacios header and strikes from Wirtz and Grimaldo.
Leverkusen finally broke through three minutes after the break as Grimaldo fired a free-kick into the bottom corner after Bell fouled Wirtz.
Mainz rallied as Lee Jae-sung and Kaishu Sano tested Kovar and Anthony Caci shot wide, but Wirtz also forced a save from Zentner.
Nelson Weiper went close again for Mainz, but Leverkusen finished strongly with chances for Jeremie Frimpong, Wirtz and Nathan Tella.
Weiper had another late chance to snatch a point for Mainz, but his header went the wrong side of a post.
