Bayern Munich Player Ratings vs Mainz: Rusty Lewandowski gets 6; Kimmich, Davies the only positives

Bayern Munich player ratings as they succumbed to a shock 2-1 defeat to 1.FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday, delaying their title celebrations for another week.

Bayern Munich were off to a disastrous start to the game at Opel Arena as Jon Burkardt got Mainz up and running with a swerving effort from the edge of box that Manuel Neuer should have dealt with better. The Bayern Munich captain, though, made two fine stops soon after to keep his side in the game, while at the other end, Robert Lewandowski sent a shot over from a fine chance.

Mainz were able to double their lead in the 37th minute as Robin Quaison rose the highest to get on the end of a free-kick and turn it into the net. Hansi Flick made as many as three changes at half-time in order to kick-start a comeback, but one was never forthcoming. Even though the Bavarians were in better control than in the first period, chances did not flow as freely.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting did have a couple of efforts saved before Lewandowski eventually found the back of the net in stoppage time, but it was all too little too late as Bayern succumbed to a surprise defeat which meant their ninth consecutive title coronation will have to wait for the next game. Here are the player ratings for the Bayern Munich stars.

Manuel Neuer: 6/10

Should have done much better with Burkardt’s shot for the opening goal which tipped the momentum in the hosts’ favour. Did make a couple of top saves to deny Danny Latza and Quaison. Perhaps would have been served better by coming out for the second goal but opted to stay on his line instead of dealing with the set-piece cross.

Benjamin Pavard: 5.5/10

A tough outing for the Frenchman as Mainz looked to direct most of their attacks on his flank in the early period of pressure. Needed to defend better to stop crosses into the box. Did offer an outlet going forward and delivered some enticing crosses, finishing with two key passes.

Jerome Boateng: 6/10

A bit of a mixed bag from the veteran defender, who, on a number of occasions made crucial interventions at the back to stop the hosts. However, it was he who gave away the free-kick which led to Mainz’s second of the night. Much improved after the break, with Bayern looking more settled. Made three interceptions and two key passes.

David Alaba: 5/10

A bit of a haphazard performance from the soon-to-be free agent, who never really looked quite settled in the first period. His mishit clearance led to the first goal for Mainz while he constantly struggled to get a foothold into the game. Booked late in the first half. Moved to midfield after the break but wasn’t able to make much of a difference.

Alphonso Davies: 7.5/10

One of the few bright spots for Bayern Munich on the night, the Canadian full-back made full use of his blistering pace to get up the pitch and attack as well as make recovery runs time and again to thwart the hosts. Created a few chances for his teammates while also remaining largely solid in his defensive duties, making three interceptions and five clearances to go with his two key passes and four dribbles.

Joshua Kimmich: 7/10

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After the early storm by the home team, Kimmich was the player who helped Bayern settle into the game and offered that bit of control in the middle of the park. Tried to fashion opportunities for his teammates, as he played a game-high four key passes. Pushed forward to join up in attacks as Bayern chased the game and sent a shot over the bar.

Leon Goretzka: 5/10

Back into the starting XI after having recovered from his injury, the former Schalke star looked scratchy. Sloppy on the ball, not effective enough off it, Goretzka was hooked off at half-time by the manager.

Leroy Sane: 5/10

Plenty of endeavour from the winger, but once again the lack of end product was a major issue. Wayward shooting, crosses not always accurate enough, which stifled whatever momentum Bayern were able to create. Another player who was withdrawn at half-time.

Thomas Muller: 6/10

One of those games when Muller was not able to have a great effect as Mainz kept a close watch on him and restricted his movement. Did have a shot go narrowly wide in the first half while he also created a chance for Choupo-Moting in the second period.

Kingsley Coman: 5/10

Much like Sane on the other flank, the Frenchman looked off-colour and could not impact the proceedings. The end product and decision-making let him down time and again before he made way at half-time.

Robert Lewandowski: 6/10

Back into the lineup after a month out on the sidelines, the signs of ring-rust were pretty evident as Lewandowski found it difficult to impose himself on the game. Missed a great chance in the first half, one which he would’ve buried more often than not. Not much of note until he found the back of the net late in the game which bumps up his rating and also gets him another step closer to Gerd Muller’s record.

SUBSTITUTES

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 6/10

Replaced Sane at half-time, slotted in on the left flank and offered some spark going forward. Had a couple of chances but his shots were straight at the Mainz goalkeeper.

Tanguy Nianzou: 6.5/10

On for Goretzka at half-time and moved to centre-back, allowing Alaba to slot in alongside Kimmich in midfield. Calm and composed, he was not tested a great deal, with Mainz not threatening as much as they did in the first period.

Jamal Musiala: 6/10

Surprisingly benched despite his recent form, Musiala was called upon at half-time in place of Coman and the youngster livened things up a fair bit for Bayern. However, Musiala was not able to sustain that impact and make a difference as Mainz saw the game out.

Serge Gnabry: 5.5/10

Came on for the final twenty minutes or so, replacing Alaba. Misplaced just one of his 12 passes but was not able to create any openings.