U19: Bayer 04 Leverkusen remain top after win against Schalke

Bayer 04 Leverkusen U19s remain top of the standings in the Under 19 Bundesliga West after a 1-0 win over FC Schalke 04 on Saturday morning.

A goal from Iker Bravo in the first half was enough to secure all three points for the Werkself despite Schalke having plenty of chances to equalise in the second 45.

Schalke started the brighter side and had the first chance to take the lead, but Can Bozdogan fired wide from a good position. Bayer 04 gradually grew into the game and had a chance for Semir Telalovic, but the striker was denied by a good save.

The hosts then took the lead in the 25th minute. A corner from Karim Diaby was cleared only as far as Bravo, who took a touch before firing into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Schalke looked to hit back immediately, but Bozdogan was again off target with a header. The visitors continued to press but were unable to find a way past Leverkusen goalkeeper Lennart Grill, who made a number of excellent saves to keep his side in the lead.

The second half started in a similar fashion, with Schalke looking for an equaliser and Bayer 04 defending deep. The visitors had a golden chance to level in the 55th minute, but substitute Justin Baak was denied by a superb save from Grill.

Schalke continued to dominate possession, but they were unable to create clear-cut chances. Bayer 04 held on for a vital win, which moves them four points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table.

Here are the match highlights:

• Bayer 04 Leverkusen remain top of the Under 19 Bundesliga West after a 1-0 win over FC Schalke 04.
• Iker Bravo scored the only goal of the game in the first half.
• Schalke had plenty of chances to equalise in the second half, but they were denied by Bayer 04 goalkeeper Lennart Grill.
• The win moves Bayer 04 four points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table.