Mainz 1-3 Bayern Munich: Harry Kane on target as champions win on the road
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Updated 21/10/2023 at 19:39 GMT
Bayern Munich’s unbeaten start to the Bundesliga season continued, but they were made to work hard for a win on the road at Mainz on Saturday evening. Kingsley Coman gave the champions the lead, which was doubled by England international Harry Kane. Anthony Caci gave Mainz hope, but Leon Goertzka made the points safe for Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern. Bayer Leverkusen are two points clear of Bayern.
Harry Kane celebrates with Kingsley Coman during the Bundesliga match between 1. Mainz 05 and FC Bayern Munich at MEWA Arena on October 21, 2023 in Mainz, Germany
Image credit: Getty Images
Harry Kane scored his ninth goal in eight league games as Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich completed a 3-1 win at Mainz to move third in the table.
The England captain headed home from close range on 16 minutes after Kingsley Coman finished a blistering counter attack with a thumping opener on 11 minutes.
Anthony Caci gave a spirited home side fresh hope with a fine finish to reduce the deficit to 2-1 on 43 minutes, but Leon Goretzka’s well-placed low shot on 59 minutes sealed the three points for Bayern, who move within two points of leaders Bayer Leverkusen at the top.
Thomas Tuchel's unbeaten side have made their best start to a season since 2016, but victory against his former club leaves Mainz mired in relegation trouble with only two points from their first eight outings, one place above bottom-placed Cologne, who face Borussia Monchengladbach on Sunday.
Talking Point – Bayern yet to find consistency
The German champions had lost their three previous league matches at Mainz, but this victory was far from convincing with the home side hitting posts in each half that could have altered the direction of travel.
Tuchel's team are unbeaten in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League, but parts of their performance was disjoined amid some obvious brilliance in moving the ball forward at speed.
Unconvincing in retaining possession at the back, they will certainly seek improvement when they return to European action against Galatasary in Istanbul on Tuesday night.
Player of the Match – Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
So many contenders for the award with Coman, Leroy Sane, Joshua Kimmich and Kane excelling in the forward areas, but Goretzka produced an outstanding contribution in living up to his reputation as one of the world game's most willing and tireless operators in midfield.
Scored a fine third goal for Bayern at a venue where they have struggled recently to round off an energetic performance before he was forced off with a hand injury on 75 minutes.
Player Ratings
Mainz: Zentner 6, Van den Berg 6, Bell 6, Fernandes 6, Da Costa 6, Barreiro 6, Kohr 6, Caci 7, Gruda 7, Lee 7, Ajorque 6 Subs: Onisiwo 6, Krauss 6, Richter 6, Leitsch 6, Barkok 6
Bayern Munich: Ulreich 7, Laimer 7, De Ligt 6, Kim 7, Davies 7, Kimmich 7, Goretzka 8, Sane 8, Musiala 8, Coman 8, Kane 8 Subs: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting 6, Sarr 6, Tel 6, Muller 6
Match Highlights
11' GOAL FOR BAYERN! A brilliant counter attack by Bayern is finished by Kingsley Coman thumping a low shot low and hard into the net from the Leroy Sane pass. What a thrilling finish to that move. The champions lead 1-0.
16' HARRY KANE ADDS THE SECOND An easy finish from close range for the England captain to add number two. Nine goals in eight league games from Kane. Clinical from the Goretzka header back across goal for Kane to convert.
43' GOAL FOR MAINZ! Would you believe it! Mainz have been outplayed, but from nowhere they have a goal as Anthony Caci thumps a blistering shot high into the net on the counter. No chance for Ulreich.
59' AND THERE IS THE THIRD! Leon Goretzka slams the ball low and hard into the corner of the net for that vital third goal. That should ease the strain! Jamal Musiala with the assist and the home fans are silenced.
87' SO CLOSE TO A MAINZ GOAL Brajan Gruda sees a shot come back off the post in the dying minutes before Bayern scramble it clear. Well. That is unfortunate.
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