Bayer Leverkusen held on to beat relegation-threatened Hoffenheim 3-1 on Sunday, winning their sixth Bundesliga home match in a row.

The German champions bounced back after last week's disappointing 2-2 draw at Leipzig, despite Alex Grimaldo's second-half red card setting up a tricky ending.

Leverkusen dominated in the opening stages and scored after 15 minutes when Victor Boniface, returning from injury, met Grimaldo's pass to strike home at the far post, beating Luca Philipp.

Jeremie Frimpong then doubled their lead four minutes later, coolly finding the far-bottom corner after latching onto Aleix Garcia's fine throughball.

Later in the first half, Leverkusen saw a penalty overturned following a VAR review - the first time this has happened in the Bundesliga - but they got a third goal six minutes after the break. Patrik Schick smashed the rebound of Emiliano Buendia's saved shot into the top-right corner.

Their momentum took a hit on the hour mark though, as a second yellow card for Grimaldo for a foul on Marius Butler reduced them to 10 men. 

Just moments later, Gift Orban, who had been on the pitch for less than a minute, pulled one back with a close-range finish, but Hoffenheim failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage despite many late chances.

Leverkusen move onto 45 points, six behind leaders Bayern after 20 matches, while Hoffenheim remain 15th, just four points above the drop zone.

Another big 3 points at home!

90+5' | 3-1 | #B04TSG pic.twitter.com/foTxY6kzQf

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) February 2, 2025

Data Debrief: Quick off the mark

Leverkusen's work in the first 51 minutes was enough to ensure they came away with three points despite playing around 40 minutes a man down.

They have scored a league-high 30 first-half goals this season and scored with both of their shots on target in the first 45 minutes at the BayArena on Sunday.

Having thrown away a two-goal lead for the third time this campaign against Leipzig last weekend, Xabi Alonso may have worried, especially considering they have lost 13 points from winning positions so far.

However, they held out to ensure their early work was not undone. Schick's goal had given them added insurance - he has now scored 14 goals in his last 10 Bundesliga appearances. The Czech has also been involved in more league goals against Hoffenheim than against any other side (six goals, three assists).