Successful restart despite the tense staffing situation: After the disappointing first half of the season at the start of the year in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig has initiated the targeted turnaround in the trend.

Coach Domenico Tedesco's team won against FSV Mainz 05 4-1 (1-0).

With now 25 points, RB freed themselves from the lower half of the table and moved a little closer to the European places at least for the time being.

Andre Silva scored twice for Leipzig (21st, hand penalty / 61st). Alexander Hack had prevented a previous shot by the Portuguese with his arm. For the action, the Mainz defender saw the red card for handball (20th). Dominik Szoboszlai (47th) and Christopher Nkunku (58th) were also successful for Leipzig. The interim connection goal for Mainz was achieved by Jae-Sung Lee (57th).

Tedesco had proclaimed a "new start" in the run-up to the point yield from the first half of the season and the 2-0 defeat at the end of the year against Arminia Bielefeld.

The 36-year-old had to do without several players in his fourth league game as RB coach.

Among other things, Nordi Mukiele, Benjamin Henrichs and Dani Olmo were missing after positive corona tests.

Playmakers Emil Forsberg and Konrad Laimer were also unavailable due to injury.

Nevertheless, Mainz coach Bo Svensson had warned of a defiant reaction in Leipzig: “They have a lot to make up for in the first half of the season.” Both teams acted with caution at the beginning. However, RB did not let this upset them. 

Silva missed the first good opportunity (12th) for the Leipzig team, the striker missed a free header in front of the goal. A little later, Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner steered a shot from Josko Gvardiol (18th) past the goal, before Silva hit the lead with a hand penalty. Subsequently, the Saxons, who acted in the majority after Hack's dismissal, had more of the game and repeatedly came dangerously close to the Mainz penalty area. 

Mainz had the first good opportunity with an indirect free kick, which referee Deniz Aytekin whistled for the guests after a dangerous game by Poulsen.

However, the shot landed in the wall (42nd).

After the break, the picture was initially the same.

Leipzig dominated the game, the goal from Szoboszlai gave Aytekin after video evidence.

Mainz reared up again for a moment, but the goal from Lee was promptly answered by Christopher Nkunku.

Silva increased a little later.