Early dominance and Kofanes strike
Leverkusen took control early in the match, with Alejandro Grimaldo converting a penalty in the 11th minute after Jonas Hofmann was fouled. Thirteen minutes later, 19-year-old Cameroonian forward Christian Kofane doubled the lead, finishing a precise one-touch passing move with a clinical strike into the bottom corner.
Mainzs response and Grimaldos brace
Mainz reduced the deficit in the 34th minute when Lee Jae-sung capitalized on a defensive error. However, Leverkusen restored their two-goal advantage just before halftime, with Grimaldo pouncing on a loose ball to score his second goal of the match.
Second-half drama and Terriers return
The second half saw Mainz pressing for a comeback. A penalty by former Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri in the 63rd minute brought Mainz within one goal. Leverkusen responded with a goal from Martin Terrier, making his first appearance since January, who slotted home from close range.
Mainz added a late goal in the 90th minute through Armindo Sieb, but it wasnt enough to complete the comeback. Despite eight minutes of added time, Leverkusen held on for the win.
The victory propels Bayer Leverkusen into the Bundesliga top four and sets the stage for their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.