Bayer Leverkusen climbed to second in the Bundesliga table following a routine 2-0 victory over Augsburg.
First-half goals from Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz sealed the win for Xabi Alonso's side, who moved to within four points of leaders Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen had scored six Bundesliga goals in the opening quarter of an hour of matches this season and broke through in the 14th minute, when Terrier stabbed home the opener.
Wirtz's low drive doubled the lead five minutes before the break, and was enough to see the visitors over the line.
More importantly, after Bayern suffered their first loss of the Bundesliga season at Mainz, Leverkusen closed the gap on Vincent Kompany's side.
Data Debrief: Leverkusen set new club record
Leverkusen comfortably stretched their winning streak to seven matches across all competitions.
They also secured their 23rd Bundesliga victory of 2024, their most ever in a single calendar year.
Wirtz put the result beyond doubt, with the attacking midfielder now having been directly involved in a goal in each of his last five league appearances.
LATEST STORIES
Bayern to use Mainz defeat as 'fire' for Leipzig clash, says Kompany
- 2024-12-14 13:59:01
- Hits 73
Leverkusen to go 'full throttle' for Bundesliga title, says Alonso
- 2024-12-13 08:33:23
- Hits 62
Mainz 2-1 Bayern Munich: Lee double inflicts Kompany's first Bundesliga defeat
- 2024-12-14 11:48:57
- Hits 44
Augsburg 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen: Bundesliga champions close gap on leaders Bayern
- 2024-12-14 13:13:02
- Hits 36