Football news - Turbocharged Bayer Leverkusen crush Mainz 5-1 to climb to fifth
ByReuters
Updated 08/02/2019 at 21:51 GMT
Bayer Leverkusen scored four times in an explosive first half to crush hosts Mainz 05 5-1 in the Bundesliga on Friday and continue their rise up the standings under new coach Peter Bosz.
Julian Brandt of Leverkusen celebrates with teammates Kevin Volland and Karim Bellarabi their goal for the 1-3 lead during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Opel Arena on February 08, 2019 in Mainz, Germany
Image credit: Getty Images
The Dutchman, whose team beat champions Bayern Munich last week, took over at the start of the year and his attack-minded Leverkusen have now won three of their four league games under him.
Wendell opened their account after five minutes and despite an equaliser from Robin Quaison four minutes later, the visitors struck another three times before the break through Kai Havertz, Julian Brandt and Karim Bellarabi.
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Julian Brandt of Leverkusen celebrates his goal for the 1-3 lead during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Opel Arena on February 08, 2019 in Mainz, Germany.
Image credit: Getty Images
Germany international Brandt, who has blossomed under Bosz, then added his second goal in the 64th minute from yet another Kevin Volland assist.
Leverkusen, who have now scored a combined 11 goals in their last three league games, climb to fifth place on 33 points, four behind RB Leipzig who are fourth.
Leaders Borussia Dortmund, on 49, host Hoffenheim on Saturday.
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