Champions Bayer Leverkusen battled past Mainz 05 with a 1-0 win coming courtesy of a superb Alex Grimaldo free kick on Tuesday to stretch their winning run to seven straight matches in the Bundesliga and close in on leaders Bayern Munich.

Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen only managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Mainz but that was enough to keep them close to leaders Bayern Munich. Leverkusen failed to find a way through in-form Mainz in the first half but Alejandro Grimaldo finally broke the deadlock with the winner in the 48th minute.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is nearing his return to action, two months after suffering a hamstring injury, manager Xabi Alonso said ahead of Tuesday's Bundesliga home clash against Mainz 05.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is nearing his return to action, two months after suffering a hamstring injury, manager Xabi Alonso said ahead of Tuesday’s Bundesliga home clash against Mainz 05.