Bayern Munich staged a remarkable comeback from three goals down to defeat Mainz 4-3 in the Bundesliga on Saturday, just days before their Champions League semifinal first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
First half struggles for Bayern
Having already secured the Bundesliga title last weekend, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany made several changes to his starting lineup, with an eye on Tuesday's crucial trip to Paris. Mainz capitalized on Bayern's disjointed performance, racing to a 3-0 lead by halftime through goals from Dominik Kohr, Paul Nebel, and Sheraldo Becker.
Second half transformation
Kompany introduced Harry Kane and Michael Olise at the start of the second half, followed by Jamal Musiala, and the match turned completely. Nicolas Jackson ignited the comeback, before Olise and Musiala struck to level the score. Kane then scored his 33rd league goal of the season with seven minutes remaining to secure the victory.
Key moments
- Kohr opened the scoring from close range after a clearance error by Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig.
- Nebel doubled Mainz's lead just before the half-hour mark with a tap-in from a rebound.
- Becker added a third moments before halftime.
- Jackson pulled one back for Bayern, turning in a cross from Konrad Laimer.
- Olise scored a superb curling effort from the edge of the box to make it 3-2.
- Olise then set up Musiala, who assisted Kane for the winning goal.
Other Bundesliga results
Bayer Leverkusen kept their top-four hopes alive with a 2-1 win over derby rivals Cologne, thanks to a brace from Patrik Schick. The Czech striker converted a penalty late in the first half and added another after the break, tapping in from a Nathan Tella pass. Schick now has six goals in his last five league games and seven in his last eight against Cologne.
Heidenheim beat relegation rivals St. Pauli 2-0 at home, with goals from Budu Zivzivadze and Eren Dinkci. Pauli's loss leaves them in the relegation playoff spot, five points from safety. Wolfsburg remain in grave danger after a 0-0 draw with Borussia Moenchengladbach, sitting a point behind Pauli in the automatic relegation places. Augsburg drew 1-1 with Frankfurt. In the late game, Hamburg hosted Hoffenheim.
