Bayer Leverkusen have enhanced their chances of finishing in the top three in the Bundesliga with a narrow 1-0 home win against Werder Bremen.

The visitors had the first chance of the game after nine minutes when Philipp Bargfrede's shot from outside the box went wide.

Both sides failed to create any meaningful chances thereafter until the 33rd minute when Bayer earned a penalty.

Sebastian Mielitz brought down Sidney Sam inside the Bremen penalty box and Stefan Kiessling made no mistake from the spot.

It could have become 2-0 to Bayer seven minutes into the second half when Philipp Wollscheid headed Kiessling's pass towards goal, but it went narrowly wide.

Andre Schurrle failed to make the most of his chance on the hour mark and Bremen made a late rally through Ozkan Yildirim and Nils Petersen but in vain.