Karim Bellarabi's goal has given third-placed Bayer Leverkusen a crucial 1-0 half-time lead in their Bundesliga clash against fourth-placed Schalke 04.

After a cagey opening from both teams, Schalke almost took the lead on 12 minutes when Leroy Sane's effort rebounded into the path of Klaas Jan Huntelaar, only for the Dutch marksman to see his shot stopped by Bernd Leno.

Within moments, Bayer came close themselves as a set piece from Gonzalo Castro was met by Kyriakos Papadopoulos, but the defender's header was straight at Timon Wellenreuther.

Wellenreuther was called into action again on 17 minutes to keep out a deflected effort from Bellarabi as the visitors tried to take control of proceedings at the Veltins Arena.

The German international found a breakthrough on 35 minutes, latching onto Simon Rolfes's pass before beating the Schalke stopper from a tight angle.

The Royal Blues looked for an immediate response when Max Meyer found space to cross near the byline, but he could not deliver an accurate ball for Huntelaar in front of goal.

Schalke boss Roberto Di Matteo decided to replace young forward Sane with Kevin-Prince Boateng before the half-time whistle as he tried to give the Gelsenkirchen side a foothold in the game.