Soccer-Bayer Leverkusen grab late winner against Heidenheim to keep title hopes alive

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - 1. FC Heidenheim v Bayer Leverkusen - Voith-Arena, Heidenheim, Germany - April 5, 2025 Bayer Leverkusen players celebrate with fans after the match REUTERS/Heiko Becker

HEIDENHEIM, Germany (Reuters) -Reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen needed a stoppage-time goal from substitute Emiliano Buendia to snatch a 1-0 win over hosts Heidenheim on Saturday to keep their Bundesliga title hopes alive and stay six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

Xabi Alonso's team still looked to be feeling the effects of Tuesday's shock German Cup semi-final exit to third-tier club Arminia Bielefeld until Buendia curled a shot in off the post in second-half stoppage time.