Kleindienst stars for Gladbach in 4-1 win over Bremen

Germany forward Tim Kleindienst has set up three goals and been involved in the other as Borussia Monchengladbach downed 10-man Werder Bremen 4-1 in the Bundesliga.

Freiburg failed to move into the top three when they were held 0-0 by lowly Mainz in Sunday's other German top-flight game.

Kleindienst set up Alassane Plea for the 11th minute opener with a deflected shot, and just a minute later he duelled with Bremen's Marco Friedl after a cross with both seemingly touching the ball. Friedl, though, was officially credited with an own goal.

The 29-year-old international Kleindienst then headed the ball to Franck Honorat for the third on the counter shortly before halftime, and also set up the fourth in the 67th with a cross from the right that Kevin Stoger converted.

It enabled Gladbach to go ninth ahead of Bremen, who got a consolation goal from Kepe Topp in the 75th minute before Mitchell Weiser was sent off for a second bookable offence to complete their miserable day.

"We are very happy. It is our ambition to play like this," Kleindienst told DAZN, adding "it's a pity that the second goal went to Friedl."

In the goalless draw at Freiburg, chances were sparse, with Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner saving well from Junior Adamu in the 35th.

"If you don't score you must not concede. It feels like it wasn't a nice game but we kept a clean sheet and take the point," Freiburg coach Julian Schuster said.

Freiburg would have risen to third behind Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig with a victory, but they have to settle for remaining sixth. Mainz are 12th and just two points above the danger zone.

Bayern had beaten Union Berlin 3-0 on Saturday and moved three points clear at the top as Leipzig suffered their first season defeat, 2-1 at Borussia Dortmund.