Robert Lewandowski was on the scoresheet as Bayern Munich pulled off a brilliant comeback to beat 1. FSV Mainz 05 5-2 at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.
Bayern Munich had plenty of chances in the first half-hour, but a dogged defensive display by Mainz and some fine goalkeeping by debutant Finn Dahmen meant they were unable to make them count. However, the visitors themselves looked threatening each time they looked to capitalise on the home team’s backline.
One such move saw Jonathan Burkardt pounce on a long ball from Danny Latza and beat Manuel Neuer with a composed finish in the 32nd minute before Alexander Hack made it 2-0 close to half-time, heading home a free-kick from Daniel Brosinski.
Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick made a couple of changes at half-time and whatever he said during the break seemed to have worked as the champions came out swinging with Joshua Kimmich making it 2-1 in the 50th minute before Leroy Sane scored the equalising goal five minutes later.
Robin Quaison almost restored Mainz’s lead but saw his effort hit the woodwork before substitute Niklas Sule put the Bavarian giants in front in the 70th minute. Robert Lewandowski then made it 4-2 from the penalty spot six minutes later before adding another goal late on to complete an emphatic comeback win for Bayern Munich.
The result meant Flick’s side reclaimed the top spot in the Bundesliga standings. And, here’s how we rated the performances of the Bayern stars on the afternoon at the Allianz Arena.
Manuel Neuer: 7/10
May have let in a couple of goals, but it could have been a lot worse for Bayern Munich if not for their captain. Came up clutch on multiple occasions to deny Mainz. Made a fine stop with his legs to deny Burkardt in the first half, which was followed by another stop to keep Quaison out. Not a lot he could have done to prevent either goal but finished with five important saves.
The GOATkeeper was at it again today. Like every other day. ?@Manuel_Neuer #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/pMiW6yNL00
— ?? FC Bayern US ?? (@FCBayernUS) January 3, 2021
Benjamin Pavard: 5/10
Reinstated at right-back, the Frenchman struggled to get a foothold into the game. Did make a couple of interceptions and was accurate with his passing, but couldn’t deal with the Mainz attackers when they burst forward. Hooked off at half-time and Bayern Munich were much improved after that.
Jerome Boateng: 5/10
Needed to be stronger to cut out Latza’s ball for Burkardt leading to the opening goal. Looked in trouble each time Mainz broke with pace to exploit the high backline. Wasn’t surprising to see him being taken off at half-time.
David Alaba: 5/10
Like his defensive partner, the Austrian international, who could be on his way to Real Madrid, looked vulnerable every time Mainz tried to push upfield. Showed slight improvement in the second half though and showed good accuracy with his distribution completing 97 of his 105 passes. But, it looked like he was lacking focus.
Alaba keeping every Mainz player on side, just let that snake go train with RM already
— Ric (@recpvm) January 3, 2021
Alphonso Davies: 7/10
Showed plenty of endeavour on the left flank, pushing forward at every possible chance while remaining alert to his defensive duties. Forced an own goal by Leandro Barreiro, which was chalked off for offside and drew a fine save from the Mainz goalkeeper. Completed three dribbles on the evening and played a key pass while also making three successful tackles and interceptions each.
Corentin Tolisso: 6.5/10
Found himself in promising positions on a couple of occasions in the first half but couldn’t work the goalkeeper. Let his defence exposed at times in the first period, but improved gradually and worked hard off the ball, making a game-high seven tackles while also managing to complete one dribble and one key pass.
Joshua Kimmich: 8/10
Making his first start since his injury layoff, the German international kickstarted the comeback for Bayern Munich as he started and finished the move for the first goal, before setting Sane up for the equaliser. Oozed quality on the ball and was solid in his efforts off it, be it in midfield or at right-back, where he played in the second half.
Finished the game with three key passes, three dribbles completed, 75 passes completed along with one tackle and interception. Hard to stop when he gets going.
Joshua Kimmich has been directly involved in seven goals in eight games for Bayern Munich in Bundesliga this season.
He pulls one back for Bayern. ? pic.twitter.com/fMkPuuAPPn
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 3, 2021
Leroy Sane: 7.5/10
Starting the game in place of Kingsley Coman, the German international drew a save from Dahmen just ten minutes in and looked a threat each time he got on the ball. Having failed to capitalise on a chance in the second half, Sane soon made amends to score the equaliser, as he cut in from the right flank to slot in a low effort into the net – a strike reminiscent of a certain Arjen Robben.
Thomas Muller: 7.5/10
A bright spark in the attacking third for Bayern Munich, Muller was lively throughout as he created a number of chances and could have had multiple assists if his teammates were not as profligate. Did get one assist though, as he set Lewandowski up for Bayern’s last goal of the game.
Finished with four key passes – the most by any player on the evening. Put in the hard yards off the ball, pressing the opposition incessantly while dropping back to help his midfield as well.
Serge Gnabry: 7/10
An energetic presence on the flanks, Gnabry provided a pacey outlet for Bayern when they pushed forward. Created a chance for Tolisso in the first half and had an effort saved himself after the break. Played a role in the buildup to Kimmich’s goal in the second before winning the penalty from which Lewandowski scored. Had to come off with an injury.
Robert Lewandowski: 8/10
Robert Lewandowski has scored a brace in each of his last three Bundesliga games:
⚽️⚽️ vs. Wolfsburg
⚽️⚽️ vs. Leverkusen
⚽️⚽️ vs. MainzThe Best. pic.twitter.com/IJUeHGjY9B
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 3, 2021
Almost equalised for Bayern Munich in the first half, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Dahmen. Showed his quality in the second half as he assisted Kimmich’s goal, then created another chance for Gnabry before getting among the goals himself. Made no mistake from the penalty spot before a sweeping finish made it 5-2. Absolutely top-class.
Substitutes
Niklas Sule: 7.5/10
Came on for Boateng at half-time. Slotted in at the heart of the Bayern Munich defence and was a strong, solid presence, ensuring that Mainz didn’t add to their scoreline. Made two tackles, one clearance, one interception and one aerial duel each. Executed a brilliant volley to score the all-important third goal for the Bavarians. What an impact.
Leon Goretzka: 6.5/10
On for Pavard at half-time. Slotted in midfield, with Kimmich moving to the backline. Helped add more balance and control to the proceedings. Misplaced just two of his 38 passes and made an important interception.
Jamal Musiala: N/A
Replaced the injured Gnabry in the 76th minute. Had just 14 touches.
Douglas Costa: N/A
Late substitute for Tolisso.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: N/A
Late substitute for Muller.
