Bayern Munich beat Mainz 2-1 at the Mewa Arena to remain level on points with Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga table, while Manuel Neuer was forced off injured before half-time.
Bayern score twice
Harry Kane registered two assists for Bayern. Joshua Kimmich scored in the 14th minute, and Lennart Karl added Bayern’s second goal, his second league goal of the campaign. Phillip Tietz scored Mainz’s goal in stoppage time.
A goal by Jae-Sung Lee was ruled out after a VAR review lasting several minutes because he had been offside when the free-kick was taken.
Neuer leaves before the interval
Neuer was replaced by Jonas Urbig at 45'. He had only returned on Tuesday after a lengthy absence with tendon irritation in his foot.
Neuer had played the full match in Bayern Munich’s 2-0 Champions League away win at Atletico Madrid. GOAL reported that Bayern had not officially announced whether the tendon irritation was in the foot affected on Saturday.
After the final whistle, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper spoke to Amazon Prime about his enforced absence. Neuer said: “The pain. Definitely,” and added: “I had pain when walking every day. And when I got up in the morning, including this morning, I had pain when walking again.”
Unbeaten away run reaches 31
Bayern extended their unbeaten Bundesliga away streak to 31 matches. Mainz’s home winless run in the top flight reached eight games, and Mainz stayed in 10th spot.
Mainz mark Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph
Mainz presented Kane with flowers and a bottle of champagne to celebrate his Ballon d’Or triumph.
