Leverkusen beats Hoffenheim 3-1, stays close to Bayern

Bayer Leverkusen secured a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim, maintaining their position six points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. Victor Boniface scored on his return from injury, followed by goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Patrik Schick, giving Leverkusen a 3-0 lead by the 51st minute. The match took a turn when Alejandro Grimaldo was sent off for a second yellow card, allowing Hoffenheim's Gift Orban to score shortly after. Leverkusen's coach Xabi Alonso praised the team's ability to control the game despite being reduced to 10 men. The match also featured a historic moment as a VAR decision was announced over the stadium loudspeakers for the first time in Bundesliga history. Leverkusen's win keeps them firmly in contention for the title as they prepare to face Bayern in two weeks.