Bayer Leverkusen edged closer to the Bundesliga top four with a 1-0 win over Hamburg at Volksparkstadion.

Christian Kofane was the match-winner for Kasper Hjulmand's side, who made the most of their game in hand to move just three points behind fourth-place Stuttgart in the German top-flight.

Leverkusen started on the front foot, with Montrell Culbreath firing wide before Martin Terrier struck the woodwork in the 12th minute, though Hamburg soon found their feet as Fabio Vieira showed his quality.

The Werkself made a strong start after the break too, as Edmond Tapsoba first headed straight at goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes before seeing a goal ruled out just after the hour due to handball.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute. Kofane was played into the box by Ibrahim Maza, and the former lashed in at the near post to give his side a deserved lead.

Hamburg fought until the very last whistle and almost found an equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time, but Luka Vuskovic saw an initial header from close range saved before his rebound hit the crossbar and went behind.

Data Debrief: Maza and Kofane stake their claim

Despite Hamburg's late efforts, Leverkusen held on for a vital three points. Hjulmand's side produced 1.93 expected goals (xG) from 14 shots to Hamburg's 1.27 from 10 attempts in what became an end-to-end encounter.

With Patrik Schick sidelined through injury, and Mailk Tillman only returning to the squad in this game, Kofane and Maza stepped up for Leverkusen. Kofane registered the most shots (four) and touches in the box (nine), while also winning the joint-most duels (eight) for his side.

Maza created a match-high four chances as Leverkusen snapped their three-game winless run in all competitions.