RB Leipzig eased to a 5-0 victory over 1. FSV Mainz 05 at the Opel Arena and closed the gap on second placed Borussia Dortmund to 3 points.

Story of the game

Julian Nagelsmann’s side wasted no time in attempting to replicate their 8-0 scoreline in the reverse fixture as Timo Werner converted a Konrad Laimer cross to grab his 22nd league goal of the season.

Twelve minutes later, Die Roten Bullen had their second courtesy of a power-header from Yussuf Poulsen on his 250th appearance for RB Leipzig. The Dane now boasts 5 goals and 4 assists in 21 games this season.

Ten minutes before the interval, Marcel Sabitzer was as composed as ever as his side footed effort  nestled in the top right-hand corner to all but confirm the three points for his side.

On 48 minutes, Leipzig had their fourth following a mazing run from Kevin Kampl who squared the ball three yards from goal to allow Werner to tap in his 23rd league goal of the campaign.

With Die Roten Bullen due to face in-form Hertha Berlin on Wednesday, you may have expected them to take their take the foot off the gas but unfortunately for Achim Beierlorzer and Mainz, that was most definitely not the case.

After blundering chances after chance, Werner finally notched in his third to confirm his second hat-trick in as many matches against Mainz. The goal also increased his impressive tally of 13 goals in 8 Bundesliga games against Beierlorzer’s side.

Key takeaway from the match

Timo Werner is quite good at Football…

The German has 30 goals in all competitions this season and as the worlds eyes were watching, he produced yet again for his side.

Nagelsmann’s star player has not given up on the Golden Boot this term and with 7 games left of the season, Werner sits 3 goals behind the in-form Robert Lewandowski.

Both strikers have been sensational this year and it would not be a surprise whatsoever if one of them breaks Gerd Müller’s 48-year-record of 40 Bundesliga goals in a single campaign.

Man of the Match

Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

Werner may have his hands full as he makes his way back to the team coach this evening, carrying both the match ball and the MOTM award.

His eye for goal is unbelievable but the unselfish nature of his play adds another dimension to his game that not all strikers possess.

Upon looking at his goal record, you would be forgiven for thinking he was a typical, selfish striker but the ex-Stuttgart forward also possess 7 assists this term to accompany his 24 league goals.

What's next for Mainz 05?

Mainz travel to the capital on Wednesday evening to face 13th placed Union Berlin, who enter the fixture on the back of a thumping 4-0 derby defeat against Hertha Berlin.

What's next for RB Leipzig?

As Mainz travel to the capital, Leipzig host its ‘biggest’ side on Wednesday as Hertha Berlin are in town! Bruno Labbadia has completely turned Hertha’s fortunes around this season and his side enter the game against Leipzig in impressive form, winning their last two fixtures by an aggregate score of 7-0.