Bayer Leverkusen have a full week to refocus after a shock exit in the German Cup and a modest Bundesliga showing, and must then give an indication that they can still fight for the league title.
Defending champions Leverkusen trail leaders Bayern Munich by six points with six games left. The gap could have well been eight points had not Emiliano Buendia scored a stoppage time winner at lowly Heidenheim.
Leverkusen performed poorly again but at least won on Saturday, not like on Tuesday when they crashed out of the German Cup at third division Arminia Bielefeld.
"We had similar problems as in the last game, but after Tuesday it was important to be able to celebrate another success today," coach Xabi Alonso said defiantly.
"We are in an important phase of the season, so today it wasn't a question of how, but of what, and that's crucial."
Playmaker Granit Xhaka agreed, saying: "All that counts are victories. Playing well doesn't count. We are still in the game."
Leverkusen next face Union Berlin and St Pauli and could have influential playmaker Florian Wirtz back from injury.
Bayern meanwhile have lost playmaker Jamal Musiala and several defenders to injury, and have the heavier schedule as they are still in the Champions League.
"We are slowly running of games. Bayern are not stumbling at the moment, we simply have to kick their heels," goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky said.
