Stefan Kiessling scored the only goal of the game as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a 1-0 victory over Hertha Berlin at the Olympic Stadium this evening.
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Despite being forced onto the back foot for much of the match, Hertha were inches away from being ahead early on when Hajime Hosogai climbed highest to head a Marcel N'Djeng corner against the post.
Leverkusen piled the pressure on after an early scare, but they struggled to create the opportunities to threaten the hosts.
However, Thomas Kraft was called into action before the break to keep out a powerful strike from Hakan Calhanoglu as the home defence fought to stay on level terms.
Leverkusen needed less than four minutes to find the breakthrough in the second half as Wendell's cross found Kiessling, who kept his composure to finish calmly.
Kiessling was a constant threat to the Hertha defence, and he found space for another chance before hitting a tame effort straight at Kraft.
Hertha struggled to produce a response late on, and Sebastian Langamkp was sent off for a second bookable offence in the final minute of normal time as Leverkusen comfortably secured the win to keep the pressure on their rivals in the battle for Champions League football.
Callum Mulvihill
