Bayer Leverkusen secured a critical 1-0 victory over second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Captain Robert Andrich scored the decisive goal in the first half, keeping Leverkusen in contention for a top-four finish with five matches left.
The win places the 2024 Bundesliga champions fifth in the standings with 52 points, trailing fourth-placed VfB Stuttgart by one point. Qualification for next season's Champions League is awarded to the top four teams.
Dortmund's afternoon was marred by hitting the woodwork in the 83rd minute and jeers for defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The Ruhr valley club remains second with 64 points, while leaders Bayern Munich are on 73 points.
Leverkusen's breakthrough came when Andrich intercepted a pass and fired a low shot past Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel. Despite chances for both sides, including a late effort from Serhou Guirassy that struck the post, Leverkusen held on for the win.