Bayer Leverkusen moved into second spot in Die Bundesliga with a 3-1 win at basement boys Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Ballack makes return after four months out as Bayer go second
Bayer Leverkusen moved into second spot in Die Bundesliga with a 3-1 win at basement boys Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Michal Kadlec gave the visitors the lead on 37 minutes and Gonzalo Castro doubled the advantage right on the stroke of half-time.
Martin Stranzl pulled a goal back for Monchengladbach on 65 minutes, but Castro made the game safe with his second goals and Bayer's third eight minutes later.
Michael Ballack made his return from long-term injury when he came off the bench for the final half hour for his first action since September.
The win moves Bayer to within 11 points of leaders Borussia Dortmund following their draw with Stuttgart on Saturday.
David Alaba's last-gasp goal rescued Hoffenheim a 2-2 draw at home to struggling St Pauli.
Marvin Compper gave Hoffenheim the lead just before the half hour mark, but Max Kruse drew St Pauli level six minutes after the break.
Gerald Asamoah looked to have given St Pauli a shock win when he fired them in front on 82 minutes, but Alaba popped up with an equaliser in the final minute.
