Bundesliga Round 26: Leverkusen beats Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1, Wirtz scores the winner to lead

# Bundesliga Round 26: Leverkusen seal the deal against Frankfurt

In a thrilling encounter in the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen edged out Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in Round 26, thanks to a decisive winner from Kevin Wirtz. The match, played at BayArena, saw both sides display attacking intent, but Leverkusen ultimately emerged victorious to extend their lead at the top of the table.

### A tale of two halves

The first half was evenly contested, with both teams creating chances. Leverkusen took the lead in the 15th minute when Wirtz scored a stunning goal from outside the box, curling the ball into the top corner. Frankfurt responded well and almost equalized in the 35th minute when Djibril Sowah’s powerful strike forced Leverkusen’s goalkeeper into a save. Leverkusen, however, proved to be more clinical, and Sowah’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who kept Leverkusen in the game with a series of crucial stops.

Frankfurt’s pressure told in the 57th minute when Sowah delivered a cross into the box, and Lucas Goura headed the ball back into the net. Leverkusen, though, showed their resilience. In the 78th minute, Wirtz capitalized on a defensive error and slotting the ball into the bottom corner, securing the win for his side.

### Key moments and reactions

Wirtz’s winner was a pivotal moment, not just because of the goal itself but also because of the confidence it brought to Leverkusen. The young star, who has been instrumental in their recent form, celebrated wildly, showing the passion of a player who is growing into a key asset for his team. Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s manager, Rudi Völler, praised his team’s ability to dig deep and respond to Frankfurt’s pressure.

For Frankfurt, the result was a missed opportunity to extend their recent good form. Head coach Martin Schmidt expressed frustration at his side’s inability to capitalize on their chances, particularly in the first half.

### Implications of the win

With this victory, Leverkusen continues to lead the Bundesliga table, with a three-point gap to Bayern Munich in second place. The win also boosts their confidence ahead of a crucial clash against Bayern in the penultimate match of the season. Frankfurt, despite their efforts, remains in fourth place, but they will need to improve their finishing in the coming games to secure a European spot.

### Fan reaction

Leverkusen fans were in celebration mode, with chants of “Wirtz, Wirtz” echoing through the stadium. On social media, fans praised the team’s never-say-die attitude and Wirtz’s growing reputation as a star. Meanwhile, Frankfurt supporters were left wondering what might have been, given their dominant possession stats but lack of finishing.

### Conclusion

Leverkusen’s 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt was a hard-fought victory, showcasing the team’s resilience and attacking quality. Wirtz’s winner will be remembered as a key moment in the Bundesliga season, and Leverkusen’s form heading into the final stretch of the campaign makes them strong contenders for the title. For Frankfurt, the challenge remains to turn this performance into consistent results to secure a top-four finish.

The Bundesliga race is far from over, but Leverkusen’s latest victory has given them a significant boost in their quest for glory.