Leverkusen score 3 goals in 7 minutes to keep Bayern in sight

Bayer Leverkusen cut Bayern Munich's lead in the Bundesliga back to eight points Saturday with a 4-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt ahead of the sides' Champions League last-16 clash.

Bayern's comeback win over Stuttgart on Friday had sent them 11 points clear of champions Leverkusen.

Wanting to keep their slim hopes of defending the Bundesliga title alive, Leverkusen did not blink against third-placed Frankfurt, scoring three goals in a seven-minute blitz to grab hold of the game.

Nathan Tella latched onto a defence-splitting Granit Xhaka pass and slotted home after 26 minutes.

Nordi Mukiele scored Leverkusen's second three minutes later, prodding a loose ball into the goal through a crowded penalty area.

Patrik Schick scored four minutes later, sliding in an Alex Grimaldo pass for his 16th goal in his past 14 games.

Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike took advantage of a poor pass from Mukiele to score in the 37th minute.

Despite the hosts starting the second half brightly, a cracking long-range effort from Aleix Garcia with 63 minutes gone sealed a crucial win for Xabi Alonso's side, who go to Bayern in Europe on Wednesday.

"It's easy to talk, but to show it on the pitch is harder. We want to show once more that we can take the fight to Bayern," Alonso told DAZN.

Xhaka felt it was the perfect preparation for the all-German showdown.

"We're strong enough to aggravate Bayern next week. There's still plenty in it for us in the Champions League," said Xhaka.

The loss continued Frankfurt's slide, having lost 4-0 at Bayern last week and only won once in six league matches since Omar Marmoush departed for Manchester City.