Berlin: Bayer Leverkusen came from a goal down to beat Mainz 4-2 on Saturday and regain top spot in the Bundesliga, two points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich.
Undefeated Leverkusen, with 38 points from 18 matches, exploded into action with three goals in 15 minutes, after Tim Hoogland had given the visitors an early lead.
Mainz gave the hosts a scare when they cut the deficit through Niko Bungert in the 67th minute before Eren Derdiyok sealed Leverkusen's victory two minutes from time with a low drive from 12 metres.
Bayern Munich are on 36 points after beating Hoffenheim 2-0 on Friday, while Hamburg SV moved up to third on 34 points following their 2-0 win against Freiburg.
Schalke 04, also on 34, host Nuremberg on Sunday.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, January 17, 2010, 09:03