Bayer Leverkusen's 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen was important not only for their Bundesliga prospects, but to boost their confidence after three straight losses.

That is the view of Saturday's goalscorer Lucas Vazquez and assister Ibrahim Maza, who both hope Leverkusen can put their poor start to 2026 behind them ahead of a crucial Champions League assignment in midweek.

Maza teed up Vazquez to score his first goal for Leverkusen late in the first half, as Kasper Hjulmand's team stayed within three points of the top four.  

The victory was Leverkusen's first of 2026, following losses to Stuttgart and Hoffenheim on the domestic front and Olympiacos in Europe.

Speaking afterwards, former Real Madrid stalwart Vazquez told the club's website: "We needed this after three defeats; it's a very important win. 

"The upcoming matches are just as important, though, which we also want to win. We have to keep working hard and fighting." 

Maza added: "We made it clear beforehand that we needed the three points – for our position in the league and our confidence. 

"We're happy that we succeeded. We now need to take the confidence and belief in our quality for the next important games." 

Leverkusen host Villarreal in their final Champions League group-phase game on Wednesday, with their place in the knockout-stage play-offs not yet secure.

Hjulmand hopes Saturday's win can provide them with some positive momentum ahead of that contest.

He said: "Respect to Werder Bremen, they were difficult opponents. We had a lot of good chances in the first half and should've really scored more than one goal. 

"In the second half we fought really well. It was an important win. Three points and a clean sheet – we're very relieved and can now look ahead."

Leverkusen have dropped down to sixth in the Bundesliga, though the Opta supercomputer does rank their chances of qualifying for the Champions League at a healthy 45.1%.