Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen Overcome Grimaldo Red Card to Defeat Hoffenheim

Bayer Leverkusen extended their home winning streak to nine matches with a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim, despite being reduced to 10 men after Alejandro Grimaldo's red card.

Bayer Leverkusen maintained their six-point deficit to the Bundesliga leaders with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over injury-plagued Hoffenheim. This win extended Leverkusen's impressive home winning streak to nine matches, during which they have conceded just six goals.

Leverkusen dominated possession from the outset, seeking to keep pace with Bayern Munich after their 4-3 win over Holstein Kiel on Saturday. However, they had to wait until the 15th minute to register their first shot, which fortuitously found the net. The goal originated from a move that started on the right flank, with Alejandro Grimaldo playing a through ball to Victor Boniface, who skillfully struck the ball across goal with his left foot to score.

Boniface's goal came just days after his proposed transfer to Al Nassr fell through. Four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong doubled Leverkusen's advantage with a well-crafted goal. Frimpong made a swift run down the right flank, collecting Aleix Garcia's long pass before entering the area and scoring with a low shot into the far corner.

Victor Boniface opened the scoring for Leverkusen, striking across goal with his left foot after being played in by Alejandro Grimaldo. Just four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong doubled the hosts' advantage, collecting Aleix Garcia's long ball and scoring with a low shot into the far corner.

Another big 3 points at home! 💪🖤❤️

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

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

A historic moment occurred shortly after, as referee Robin Braun announced the overturning of a penalty initially awarded to Leverkusen via the BayArena's PA system - a first in the Bundesliga. This reprieve seemed to galvanize Hoffenheim, who began to improve and create scoring opportunities. Erencan Yardimci fired David Jurasek's cross into the side netting, while Marius Bulter tested Lukas Hradecky with a powerful shot.

Despite showing promise early in the second half, Hoffenheim found themselves further behind when Emiliano Buendia's shot was saved, and Patrik Schick smashed in the rebound. This was Schick's 14th goal in 10 league matches. However, the match took a dramatic turn when Grimaldo received a second yellow card for his challenge on Bulter, reducing Leverkusen to 10 men.

Hoffenheim immediately capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring through Gift Orban, who tapped in amidst the chaos of the resulting free-kick. Although they pushed hard for an equalizer, Hoffenheim's frustration grew, and they ultimately fell short in their comeback efforts. Leverkusen's victory sets up a thrilling showdown with Bayern Munich in two weeks, while Hoffenheim faces a crucial match against Union Berlin in their bid to avoid relegation.