Xabi Alonso praised Bayer Leverkusen's ability to manage the game with 10 men after they clung on to beat Hoffenheim 3-1 in the Bundesliga on Sunday.

Leverkusen were leading 3-0 on the hour mark when Alejandro Grimaldo was shown a second yellow card shortly before Hoffenheim's Gift Orban scored, inspiring hope of a comeback from the visitors. 

But the German champions managed to maintain their advantage and the win kept them second in the standings, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

"There were two games – 60 minutes with 11 players and 30 minutes with 10. We played well in both. Even when we were down to 10 men, we controlled the game," Alonso said.

"We had a good initial advantage, and the first 15 minutes of the second half were good too. 

"We didn't concede much and we had our chances. After the red card, we had to get our act together, until we found our way back into the game."

Emiliano Buendia, who was making his first appearance for Leverkusen after arriving on loan from Aston Villa, came on as a half-time substitute but was then withdrawn for fellow new signing Mario Hermoso when Grimaldo's red card forced Alonso into a reshuffle. 

Alonso was disappointed to have his hand forced, but he acknowledged sacrificing Buendia was the only way to maintain control of the contest.

"Unfortunately, I had to take Buendia off. But it was the right decision," he said.

"We had less possession when we were a man down, but basically we did well. What we can do better is avoid these yellow cards for minor fouls."

Leverkusen are next in action against Koln in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals on Wednesday, with a trip to Wolfsburg next up in the Bundesliga on Saturday.