Bayer Leverkusen ended a three-game winless streak across all competitions with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Hamburg.
Leverkusen were desperate for a result to keep their top-four hopes alive and nearly broke the deadlock early. Aleix Garcia’s cross from the right found Martin Terrier unmarked in the area just after the quarter-hour mark, but the forward’s effort came back off the crossbar.
Chances were scarce in a quiet first half. Christian Kofane headed a cross towards goal just after the half-hour mark, but Daniel Heuer Fernandes got across well to gather comfortably. Hamburg failed to register a single shot on target before the break, though they could take some satisfaction from keeping Leverkusen’s attack largely quiet.
Hamburg had gone into the match in decent form, with only one defeat in their previous seven games helping them build a comfortable cushion above the relegation zone. They defended resolutely for long stretches, but their resistance was finally broken as the game entered the final 20 minutes.
Ibrahim Maza chipped a ball into the area to pick out Kofane, who fired past Heuer Fernandes at his near post to spark celebrations among the travelling support and secure a crucial three points.
The win also saw Leverkusen keep their first away clean sheet in the league this season, moving them to within three points of the top four as they remain sixth with plenty still to play for.
Hamburg drop to 11th and sit four points above the relegation zone, with just one league win all season against sides currently in the top half of the table. Sonnet 4.6
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