Ballack back as Leverkusen cut gap

Germany captain Michael Ballack made his first start since September on Friday as his Bayer Leverkusen side defeated Hanover 2-0 to cut the gap on Bundesliga leaders Dortmund to eight points.

Arturo Vidal gave Leverkusen a 21st-minute lead with Simon Rolfes adding the second goal three minutes before the interval as Ballack, who had been sidelined with a leg injury since September, injected a little life back into the title race.

Dortmund can restore their 11-point lead at the top when they face Wolfsburg on Saturday.

Ballack picked up his injury in the first fixture between the two teams in September and the man responsible for the crunching challenge, Portugal's Sergio Pinto, faced him again on Friday.

Despite his return to the starting side, Ballack still faces a battle to convince Germany coach Joachim Low to recall him for the friendly international against Italy on February 9.

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