Bayer Leverkusen clinch narrow win over VfB Stuttgart

Late goal secures three points for home side

The only goal of the game came in the 89th minute, when substitute Paulinho tapped in from close range after a cross from Moussa Diaby.

The win was Leverkusen's third in a row in all competitions and moved them to within two points of Bayern Munich at the top of the table.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, remained in 15th place and are now just one point above the relegation zone.

The game was a tight affair throughout, with both sides having chances to win it.

Stuttgart had the better of the chances in the first half, but they were unable to find a way past Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

Leverkusen improved after the break and they eventually got their winner late on.

The win was a welcome boost for Leverkusen, who had lost their previous two Bundesliga games.

Stuttgart, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have lost, but they will take some solace from the fact that they pushed Leverkusen all the way.