Leverkusen edge closer to Bayern thanks to Grimaldo's winner vs. Mainz

A second-half goal from Alex Grimaldo sent Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-0 home win over Mainz on Tuesday, closing the gap with league leaders Bayern Munich to one point.

Xabi Alonso's defending champions were dominant against an in-form Mainz but were held at bay until Grimaldo produced a stunning free-kick after 48 minutes.

The Spain defender lifted the shot over the Mainz wall and beyond the outstretched palm of Robin Zentner, his 12th goal on his 50th Bundesliga appearance.

"He does that always, also in training -- it wasn't a surprise," Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick said of Grimaldo's strike.

Florian Wirtz, who won the free-kick, along with Nathan Tella and Jeremie Frimpong, all had late chances saved.

Leverkusen's 10th straight win in all competitions moved them to 38 points and handed down the gauntlet to Bayern, who face Hoffenheim at home on Wednesday.

Mainz, who lost coach Bo Henriksen to two successive yellow cards for backchat in stoppage time, stay in fifth despite the loss.