Jan 15, (V7N) - Bayer Leverkusen edged closer to the Bundesliga summit with a 1-0 victory over Mainz, thanks to a stunning second-half free-kick by Alex Grimaldo. The win brought Xabi Alonso's side within one point of league leaders Bayern Munich, who are set to face Hoffenheim next.

Grimaldo's precise strike in the 48th minute marked his 12th goal in just 50 Bundesliga appearances. Leverkusen dominated possession but struggled to convert chances until Grimaldo's moment of brilliance. Late attempts by Florian Wirtz, Nathan Tella, and Jeremie Frimpong were denied by Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner. Mainz coach Bo Henriksen was sent off in stoppage time after receiving two yellow cards for dissent.

Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund's struggles deepened with a shocking 4-2 loss to relegation-threatened Holstein Kiel. Kiel stunned Dortmund with three first-half goals from Shuto Machino, Phil Harres, and Alexander Bernhardsson. Despite second-half goals by Gio Reyna and Jamie Gittens, Dortmund couldn't recover. Jann-Fiete Arp sealed Kiel's victory in stoppage time. Under-pressure coach Nuri Sahin, who replaced Edin Terzic last summer, faces increasing scrutiny as Dortmund languish in ninth place, 14 points behind Bayern.

Eintracht Frankfurt secured a commanding 4-1 win over Freiburg, bolstered by goals from Omar Marmoush—linked with Manchester City—Robin Koch, Hugo Ekitike, and Nnamdi Collins, solidifying their third-place position.

Wolfsburg also impressed with a dominant 5-1 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach, highlighted by Lukas Nmecha's quick second-half brace. Ralph Hasenhüttl's side continues its resurgence, climbing to sixth with six wins in their last eight matches.

END/SD/RH/