Result: Bayern Munich 5-2 Mainz
Date: 03 January 2021
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Bayern Munich stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 20 matches with a come-from-behind 5-2 thrashing of Mainz on Sunday.
Hansi Flick made two changes to the side that overcame Bayer Leverkusen in their final match of 2020. There were recalls to the starting line-up for Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane, while Lucas Hernandez dropped to the bench and Kingsley Coman missed out.
In the third minute, Mainz capitalised on Bayern's high line and managed to get in behind with Jonathan Michael Burkardt racing away. Fortunately for Bayern, Neuer reacted well to keep out his low shot.
Five minutes later, Sane unleashed a low shot towards the far corner. The effort looked like it would creep over the line after deflecting off Jeremiah St. Juste, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly to prevent it from crossing.
Following a good spell of pressure, the visitors took the lead and Bayern were not happy. A shoulder barge on Jerome Boateng allowed Burkardt to race onto Latza's long ball over the top of the defence. He then showed tremendous composure to fire past Neuer and put his side in front.
The visitors doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time and you can't say they didn't deserve it. Alexander Hack was at the far post to firmly plant Brosinski's free-kick past Neuer.
Bayern puled one back in the 50th minute. After initially sending the ball into the box, Kimmich arrived at the far post to head home after Lewandowski helped on Gnabry's cross.
Sane equalised for the Bavarians soon after. Picking the ball up on the corner of the penalty area, the former Manchester City winger came inside before powerfully sweeping it into the bottom corner.
The turnaround was officially complete in the 70th minute courtesy of an unlikely source. The ball dropped kindly for Niklas Sule following a corner for the hosts, and his volley took a slight deflection before nestling in the far corner.
The hosts went in search of a fourth goal and Gnabry was sent sprawling in the box in the 74th minute, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Lewandowski stepped up to the spot and calmly sent Dahmen the wrong way.
The Pole grabbed his brace and sealed the points seven minutes later after being in the right place at the right time to volley home Muller's precise cross to round off an emphatic comeback win.
