Rodriguez bags hat-trick as Bayern exorcise Liverpool frustrations

Bayern Munich took out their Champions League frustrations on Mainz as James Rodriguez claimed his first Bundesliga hat-trick on Sunday in a 6-0 romp to fire the Bavarians back to the top of the table.

After Wednesday's Champions League exit, following a 3-1 home defeat by Liverpool in the last 16, Mainz bore the brunt of the backlash at Munich's Allianz Arena.

"We showed the disappointment of the Liverpool defeat is behind us, it was important to react," said Bayern coach Niko Kovac.

Rodriguez, on loan until the end of the season from Real Madrid, came off to a standing ovation with 20 minutes left after arguably his best display in the famous red shirt.

"I am pleased for him, he deserved the applause," added Kovac, who declined to comment on whether Rodriguez's loan deal will be extended.

Canadian wunderkind Alphonso Davies, 18, scored his first Bayern goal on only his fifth appearance after coming off the bench.

The thumping win saw Bayern reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga from Borussia Dortmund, who briefly usurped them with a nervy 3-2 win at Hertha Berlin on Saturday, with eight games left.

- Race to the finish -
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- Frankfurt march on -
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