Wirtz stars as Leverkusen keeps pace with Bayern
Florian Wirtz played a starring role as Bayer Leverkusen overcame Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1 at BayArena, moving back to within four points of Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich, which won earlier in the day.
Wirtz scored two goals and set up the other as Xabi Alonso's side recovered from an early setback when an ankle injury forced Martin Terrier off the field after just nine minutes.
Leverkusen took the lead in the 32nd minute when Wirtz skipped away from a challenge before slotting past Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas.
The Germany international doubled the hosts' lead from the penalty spot just after the hour mark after Julian Weigl handled in the box.
He then turned provider for Patrik Schick in the 74th minute, before Tim Kleindienst grabbed a consolation for the visitors in stoppage-time.
After Bayern's 3-2 victory over Wolfsburg, Leverkusen returned to within four points of the Bundesliga leader with an 11th straight win across all competitions.
The Werkself's only longer winning streak since its promotion to Bundesliga in 1979 came last season, when it won 17 consecutive games between September and November 2023.
