Bayer Leverkusen return from the Bundesliga's winter break with victory at Borussia Dortmund to maintain the pressure on leaders Bayern Munich.

A second-half goal from Alex Grimaldo sent Bayer Leverkusen to a 1-0 home win over Mainz, closing the gap with league leaders Bayern Munich to one point. With half the season played, Dortmund sit ninth,

The two standout German teams from last season are on opposite trajectories as the pressure mounts in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Dortmund currently sit in sixth place with 25 points and are two points behind a top four spot whilst Leverkusen are in second place and are now just four points behind the league leaders Bayern Munich.