Bayer Leverkusen moved back within touching distance of the Bundesliga’s top four after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen at the BayArena, marking the 15th consecutive home game in which Die Werkself have found the net.

Leverkusen, boasting a strong record against sides starting the weekend outside the top four (W9, D2, L1), controlled the early stages of the match.

They appeared to take the lead just before the quarter-hour mark when Loic Bade delivered a cross for Patrik Schick, who headed home—but VAR ruled the goal out for handball. Schick nearly turned provider moments later, sending the ball to Ernest Poku at the far post, only for the Dutchman to sky a close-range effort.

Bremen had a moment to feel aggrieved in the 26th minute, when an apparent Ibrahim Maza trip on Marco Grüll went unpunished, with no VAR review called.

However, Leverkusen soon regained the upper hand. In the 37th minute, a slick passing move around the box allowed Maza to slide a clever pass to Lucas Vazquez, who drilled a low shot into the bottom-left corner for his first goal for the club.

Nerves Until the Final Whistle

The first half ended on a tense note, with Justin Njinmah and Maza both hitting the post in quick succession, leaving the outcome finely balanced.

The second half started more slowly, with Bremen showing improved defensive organization. Poku remained a threat, but Leverkusen appeared to feel the lingering effects of their recent UEFA Champions League defeat in Greece, raising the tension among the home supporters.

Bremen came closest to an equalizer when Álex Grimaldo tried to squeeze a shot from a tight angle, only to be denied by a sharp save from Mio Backhaus. With nine of their previous 21 league goals arriving in the final 15 minutes, the visitors still had reason for hope.

Ultimately, Leverkusen held firm to claim their first win in four head-to-head meetings with Bremen, boosting their chances of UEFA Champions League qualification. Bremen, meanwhile, remain winless in their last eight away league matches (D3, L5).