Simons dazzles, Openda scores twice as Leipzig thrash Koln to move 4th
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A goal and an assist from Xavi Simons and a Lois Openda brace helped RB Leipzig thump Koln 5-1 away on Friday to leapfrog Borussia Dortmund into the top four.
Simons produced yet another masterclass while showcasing his understanding with fellow summer arrival Openda, who scored twice to lift his goal tally to 19 in the league this season.
The three points could prove crucial as Leipzig duke it out with Dortmund for the final Champions League spot.
Dortmund can retake their lead when they host sixth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.
Fresh from winning two in a row for the first time this season, Leipzig brought the energy early and hit the lead after 15 minutes through Simons.
Simons finished off a sublime short passing move, with Dani Olmo laying the ball onto Benjamin Sesko, who found the goal-scorer.
Koln hit back just three minutes later when Sargis Adamyan turned in a corner at the far post.
Openda's 26th-minute strike was ruled out for offside, but the Belgian broke through midway through the second half, tapping in a perfect Simons pass.
Openda scored again just four minutes later, heading in a floating David Raum chip for his 19th league goal of the season.
Amadou Haidara blasted in a low shot to add a fourth with 20 minutes remaining before Yussuf Poulsen, subbed on for Openda, added a fifth.
Simons joined Leipzig on a season-long loan in summer from parent club Paris Saint-Germain.
Leipzig have been increasingly reliable on the Dutchman this season, with coach Marco Rose saying this week he was "very optimistic" the 20-year-old would stay beyond the season.
Koln's loss, their 14th in 26 games this season, leaves them in the relegation playoff spot and seven points from safety with eight games remaining.