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Wirtz was the difference again for Leverkusen.
Wirtz was the difference again for Leverkusen. - © IMAGO/Eduard Martin
Wirtz was the difference again for Leverkusen. - © IMAGO/Eduard Martin
bundesliga

Florian Wirtz stars as Bayer Leverkusen cruise to victory in Augsburg

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Bayer Leverkusen secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Augsburg, with goals from Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz lighting up the Bundesliga title race thanks to Bayern Munich's defeat against Mainz.

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Augsburg 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 0-1 Terrier 14’ (assist: Frimpong), 0-2 Wirtz 40’ (assist: Tella)

Leverkusen asserted their dominance early in the match, pushing Augsburg deep into their own half. Their pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Terrier broke the deadlock with a well-executed team move. Granit Xhaka initiated the attack with a precise pass to Jeremie Frimpong, who then set up Terrier for a clinical finish. Augsburg tried to respond and thought they had equalized in the 24th minute, but their goal was disallowed for offside. The visitors doubled their lead in the 40th minute through a trademark Wirtz goal, as the young star showcased his skill by creating space for himself before finding the back of the net. The first half also saw yellow cards for Frank Onyeka (12') and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw (44') of Augsburg.

Terrier capped off a delightful team move with the opening goal. - KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV - Getty Images

Augsburg's second-half struggle

The second half saw Augsburg attempting to find a way back into the game, but Leverkusen's defensive solidity proved too much to overcome. Phillip Tietz received a yellow card in the 54th minute, further hampering Augsburg's efforts. Leverkusen managed the game well, maintaining possession and creating occasional chances to extend their lead. Alonso made strategic substitutions, bringing on Patrik Schick for Terrier in the 69th minute, while Augsburg introduced Rubén Vargas and Steve Mounié in an attempt to change the tide. Despite these changes, Leverkusen's control of the match remained unshaken, and they saw out the victory comfortably.

Augsburg's few chances were all too close to the goalkeeper. - IMAGO/Bernd Feil/M.i.S.

Player of the Match: Florian Wirtz

Wirtz was the standout performer, showcasing why he's considered one of the Bundesliga's brightest talents. His goal in the 40th minute was a display of individual brilliance, creating space before finishing with precision. Wirtz's influence extended beyond scoring, as he was involved in much of Leverkusen's attacking play. Despite being the most pressed player on the pitch, targeted 25 times by Augsburg's defence, Wirtz maintained his composure and creativity throughout the match, proving instrumental in Leverkusen's victory.

Watch: Xabi Alonso: "We've learned our lessons" 

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Augsburg 0.44 - Leverkusen 0.99
Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen), 35.59 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-2 by Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen), 8 percent
Most pressed player: Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen), 25 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen), +4.08

Fantasy Heroes: Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen, 327 Points), Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen, 260 Points), Piero Hincapié (Leverkusen, 251 Points)