### Bundesliga Round 5 Recap: Bayer Leverkusen Thrashes Mainz 4-1
In a thrilling encounter at the Allianz Arena in Leverkusen on Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen secured their first win of the season with a dominant 4-1 victory over Mainz 05. The performance was particularly noteworthy as goalkeeper Thomas Müller made a key save in the second half, denying Mainz's late equalizer attempt.
#### Key Players and Performances
**Thomas Müller (Leverkusen):**
Müller showcased his usual dominance in goalkeeping, making three saves to keep his team ahead throughout the match. His precise positioning and ability to read the game were instrumental in securing the win.
**Walter Wirtz (Leverkusen):**
The German midfielder played a pivotal role in the attacking play, scoring twice and providing two assists. His combination of pace, vision, and creativity helped to create numerous chances for his teammates. Wirtz's display earned him player of the match honors.
**Johannes Weseler (Leverkusen):**
Weseler provided a solid defensive presence in midfield, anchoring the defense and contributing to the overall defensive structure. His physicality and discipline were crucial in holding off the opposition.
**Sandro Wagner (Mainz 05):**
Despite playing a more defensive role, Wagner showed resilience and determination. He managed to maintain pressure on Leverkusen's defense and occasionally threatened the opposition's goal line.
#### Match Highlights
- **First Half:** Leverkusen dominated the opening period, with Wirtz setting up several opportunities for his teammates. However, Mainz found some life through Wagner's efforts.
- **Second Half:** Leverkusen intensified their attack after halftime. Wirtz scored his first goal from a free kick, putting Leverkusen in front. In the 67th minute, Wirtz extended his tally with another assist, leading to a Leverkusen goal from Julian Brandt.
- **Late Equalizer:** Mainz finally found a way back into the game in the 82nd minute when Wagner scored an equalizer. This brought the score to 2-2.
- **Key Save:** Leverkusen's goalkeeper Müller saved a potential equalizer attempt from Wagner in the 90th minute, ensuring that Leverkusen maintained their advantage until the final whistle.
#### Aftermath
The win over Mainz was a significant milestone for Leverkusen, marking their first league victory since mid-January. It comes just days after their 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich in the previous round. Leverkusen now move up to fourth place in the table, while Mainz remain fifth.
The performance of Walter Wirtz stands out as one of the standout moments of the match. His contributions to both scoring and creating chances have been crucial in Leverkusen's success this season. With such a strong start, Leverkusen will look forward to continuing their impressive run in the Bundesliga.