Bayern München staged a thrilling comeback to claim a 4-3 victory at Mainz, with goals from Nicolas Jackson, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Harry Kane overturning a three-goal deficit.
Bayern Munich traveled to the Mewa Arena as league leaders, sitting atop the Bundesliga with 79 points from 30 matches. FSV Mainz 05 occupied tenth place with 34 points, seeking to build on recent form that included three wins in their last five games. The visitors held 70% possession on average but faced a determined home side eager to cause an upset.
Mainz stunned Bayern with an electric start. Dominik Kohr fired the hosts ahead in the 15th minute, giving the home crowd early belief. The midfielder received a yellow card just five minutes later but remained focused on disrupting Bayern's rhythm.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 29th minute through Philipp Nebel. Bayern looked vulnerable defensively, and Mainz exploited the gaps with clinical finishing. Konrad Laimer picked up a yellow card for Bayern during this period as frustration mounted.
Sheraldo Becker extended Mainz's lead to 3-0 deep into the first half. The 45+2 mark saw Becker finish from close range, leaving Bayern facing a mountain to climb. The scoreline flattered the home side given Bayern's expected goals (xG) of 1.97 compared to Mainz's 2.29, but football is won on the pitch, not statistics.
Bayern needed to respond immediately after the break. Jackson reduced the deficit just eight minutes into the second half, scoring in the 53rd minute to give the visitors genuine hope. The comeback had begun.
Michael Olise restored Bayern's momentum in the 73rd minute with a clinical finish. The midfielder's movement in the box proved decisive as the gap narrowed to a single goal. Mainz's defense began to crack under sustained pressure.
Musiala equalized for Bayern in the 80th minute, drawing the sides level at 3-3. The momentum had completely shifted toward the visitors, who now controlled the match.
Kane struck the decisive blow in the 83rd minute, putting Bayern ahead for the first time. The striker's composure in front of goal proved crucial as Bayern secured their comeback victory. Olise received a late yellow card in the 90+8 minute but Bayern held firm.
Bayern dominated possession with 70% to Mainz's 30%, completing 618 passes at 90% accuracy. The visitors registered six shots on target compared to Mainz's eight. Bayern's goalkeeper made five crucial saves throughout the match.
This victory maintains Bayern's commanding position at the top of the table with 82 points from 31 matches. Mainz remains in tenth place with 34 points, unable to capitalize on their dominant first-half performance. Bayern's resilience proved decisive in this thrilling encounter.
