Wolfsburg close gap on Bayern as Robin Knoche's goal downs Gladbach

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Wolfsburg are Bayern Munich's closest rivals in the race for the Bundesliga title after they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 on Sunday evening.

Robin Knoche's goal in the 12th minute was enough for Dieter Hecking's men to take all three points and move six points clear of their opponents, reducing the deficit on Bayern to seven points.

Gladbach, who had chances to level, fell to their third straight Bundesliga defeat and are now three points behind third-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

Wolfsburg, not for the first time this season, made a flying start with Knoche showing a level head amid confusion in the Gladbach penalty area to beat Yann Sommer from close range and give the Wolves the lead.

Gladbach were clearly rattled and hit straight back with Diego Benaglio preserving Wolfsburg's advantage with two fine saves.

He first denied Roel Brouwers' volley down to his right before keeping out Patrick Herrmann's header with an instinctive stop.

The Foals continued to push for an equaliser with prolonged spells of possession and attacks, forcing Wolfsburg to retreat and defend their advantage into the break.

Kevin De Bruyne had the chance to relieve some of the pressure early in the second half when he burst through, but could not beat Sommer from an angle.

Substitute Aaron Hunt had two further chances for Wolfsburg, who almost paid the price for not putting the game to bed when a goalmouth scramble in the last minute nearly saw Gladbach equalise.

However, nobody seemed to want to provide the finish as Wolfsburg cleared the ball behind for a corner shortly before the final whistle sounded.