Kane's Late Penalty Salvages Point as Bayern Stunned by Mainz
Key Takeaways
- Bayern Munich and Mainz played to a dramatic 2-2 draw
- Harry Kane's 87th-minute penalty rescued a point for the leaders
- Mainz twice took the lead through headers from set pieces
- Bayern dominated possession but struggled to break down organized defense
MUNICH, GERMANY — Bayern Munich's perfect Bundesliga record came under serious threat as they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against relegation-battling Mainz at the Allianz Arena, with Harry Kane's late penalty preventing what would have been a shocking defeat for the league leaders.
The dramatic encounter saw Mainz twice take the lead through well-worked set pieces, with Kacper Potulski's 45th-minute header and Lee Jae-Sung's 67th-minute effort stunning the home crowd. Bayern responded through Lennart Karl's close-range finish in the 29th minute and Kane's crucial penalty three minutes from time, but the result highlighted vulnerabilities in Vincent Kompany's side that their relegation-threatened opponents exploited expertly.
Mainz's tactical approach proved inspired, with their compact 5-4-1 formation frustrating Bayern's possession-heavy style throughout. The visitors' discipline in maintaining their defensive shape forced Bayern wide repeatedly, limiting clear-cut chances despite the hosts enjoying 84.7% possession. When Mainz did venture forward, they proved clinical from set pieces, with Stefan Bell's delivery finding Lee Jae-Sung unmarked for the decisive second goal that nearly secured a famous victory.
The turning point arrived in the 85th minute when Potulski's desperate challenge on Kane in the penalty area handed Bayern their lifeline. The England captain stepped up under immense pressure and coolly converted to the bottom left corner, sending Daniel Batz the wrong way and salvaging a crucial point that maintains Bayern's six-point advantage at the summit.
Despite Bayern's overwhelming territorial dominance, Mainz goalkeeper Daniel Batz emerged as the standout performer with eight crucial saves, repeatedly denying Serge Gnabry and Kane throughout the contest. The visitors' counter-attacking threat remained potent despite limited possession, with Benedict Hollerbach and Lee Jae-Sung causing problems for Bayern's high defensive line whenever Mainz managed to win the ball back.
The final ten minutes proved frantic as Bayern threw everything forward in search of a winner, with Michael Olise and substitute Nicolas Jackson both going close. However, Mainz's resolute defending and Batz's heroics ensured they claimed a precious point that could prove vital in their relegation battle.
Looking ahead, Bayern Munich will host Valerenga on December 17 as they continue their European campaign, while Mainz face Samsunspor on December 18, hoping to build on this morale-boosting performance against the league leaders.