Ernest Poku helps Bayer Leverkusen defeat Mainz 05 in a fierce battle.

With a fantastic performance, Dutch-Ghanaian forward Ernest Poku helped Bayer Leverkusen defeat Mainz 05 on the road in the German Bundesliga on Saturday.

After joining the German squad in the summer, the 21-year-old started the game and played 79 minutes, helping his team win 4-3 at the MEWA ARENA.

By providing an assist, the former AZ Alkmaar player was instrumental in Leverkusen's victory in the eagerly awaited match.

Spain international Alejandro Grimaldo gave the visitors an early lead in the 11^th minute by expertly converting from the spot, and Christian Kofane extended Leverkusen's advantage in the 24^th minute after receiving an assist from the Dutch-Ghanaian winger.

At the 34^th minute, Jae-Sung Lee scored for the home team, keeping them competitive in the match. Before halftime, Grimaldo netted his second goal, allowing Leverkusen to enter the break with a 3-1 advantage.

Germany international Nadiem Amiri converted a penalty in the 71^st minute to narrow the gap for the hosts, but Martin Terrier secured the win for the visitors three minutes before the end of the match.

Meanwhile, Armindo Sieb's stoppage-time goal was insufficient to prevent his team from losing in the eagerly awaited match.

Since joining Leverkusen, Ernest Poku has scored two goals and provided an assist in six German Bundesliga games this season.