Werner runs riot as Leipzig crush Mainz to close gap to top

Timo Werner scored a hat trick as RB Leipzig demolished hosts Mainz 5-0 on Sunday to reclaim third place in the Bundesliga with an emphatic victory after three straight draws.

Werner, a target for several top European clubs this summer, opened his account in the 11th minute and Yussuf Poulsen nodded in the second goal in the 23rd.

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Marcel Sabitzer killed off the game before the break, flicking in from close range as Mainz collapsed.

Werner scored again three minutes after the restart and he chipped the ball over keeper Florian Muller in the 75th for his 24th goal of the season and 91st in all competitions for Leipzig to become their all-time top scorer.

"Timo Werner has developed a very good sense not to move only on the wings but to go over to the 10 position," Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann said of his striker's work in a more central attacking role.

"Coupled with his speed, that makes him a more versatile player and makes it harder for his opponents to control him."

Leipzig, who crushed Mainz 8-0 earlier in the season with Werner grabbing a treble then too, moved back into third on 54 points, one place ahead of Bayer Leverkusen and two clear of Borussia Monchengladbach and have the upper hand in the battle for a Champions League spot.

Leipzig also set a new club record with 68 goals scored this season, more than in any other entire campaign since their promotion to the Bundesliga in 2016.

Mainz piled bodies into their defence but were unable to match Leipzig's speed down the wings and they failed to launch any sustained attacks of their own until late in the game.

Bayern Munich lead the standings with 61 points, four ahead of Borussia Dortmund whom they face on Tuesday.

The Bundesliga became the first major sports league to resume last week, with no fans in attendance, after being suspended for more than two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.