In front of 30,136 fans in the Red Bull Arena, Die Roten Bullen deservedly overcame FSV Mainz 05 4-1. The win solidifies RBL's hold on fourth place in the Bundesliga table, just two points behind second-placed Gladbach.
Die Roten Bullen started strongly and had one or two chances very early on to take the lead. Yussuf Poulsen eventually capitalised on this early dominance after just 14 minutes, scoring with a delightful flick from Kevin Kampl's perfectly-weighted cross. The Dane got his second just five minutes later, poking home Timo Werner's ball from the left-hand flank. Mainz grew into the game after the half-hour mark, and pulled one back before the break through Karim Onisiwo. Both teams went into the changing rooms with the score at 2-1.
The entertainment of the first half continued in the second 45 minutes. Willi Orban could have been an unlikely goalscorer when he had two good chances from set-pieces, but unfortunately his efforts at goal were just wide. Péter Gulácsi saved well from a Mainz freekick, with Leipzig soaking up their opponents' pressure and looking to play on the counter. This eventually paid off in the 74th minute, when Timo Werner broke to round the Mainz keeper and slot home. Werner doubled his tally 14 minutes later, set up by attacking partner Poulsen. It was a well-deserved victory for Die Roten Bullen at the full-time whistle.
Stats
Team News

4-1
16th Dec

Red Bull Arena , Leipzig