DFB Pokal: Werner On Target To Propel Leipzig Past Hoffenheim

RB Leipzig reached the quarterfinals of the German Cup with a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim on Wednesday, with Timo Werner scoring the final goal.

The striker, who returned to Leipzig from a difficult spell at Chelsea in August, sealed the win in the 83rd minute after latching onto a pass from Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen and driving the ball past Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.

Leipzig, who have not lost at home in the league this season, started strong with Swedish forward Emil Forsberg scoring a long-range shot after just eight minutes.

Austrian midfielder Konrad Laimer added to the lead before halftime with a fierce left-foot shot into the far corner of the net. Kasper Dolberg's header caused some nerves for Leipzig in the closing stages, but Werner's goal secured the win.

"We showed that we want to go further (in the competition). We played a good first half, we were really focused. We could have sealed it earlier, but it was a deserved win," said Forsberg. Hoffenheim, who sit in 13th place in the league and are three points above the relegation playoff spot, lacked confidence in the game, according to captain Baumann.

Bayern Munich, 20-time German Cup winners, defeat Mainz in the late game on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in three seasons.