Mainz 1-3 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• If you’re curious about the lack of updates in the second half, it was a slog. Bayern Munich were sloppy and often allowed Mainz to get extremely close to an equalizer, with a couple of shots even hitting the post. Given that this is one of the worst teams in the league right now (on form) the performance will concern Thomas Tuchel.
• Matthijs de Ligt is still pretty rusty after his long layoff from injury. He may need a few games to get back up to speed.
• Is Leon Goretzka BACK? A little early to say, but this was arguably his best performance this season, capped off with a splendidly taken goal.

Full time: Mainz 1-3 Bayern Munich.

58’ — GOOOOOOOOOOAL! Goretzka makes it 3-1!

45’ — The second half is underway!

Halftime observations and analysis

• When will Bayern Munich learn to play out a full half of football without losing concentration? 30 minutes of sublime football followed by 15 minutes of nonsense — it’s like watching Germany sometimes. Maybe there’s a pattern here ...
• Leroy Sane is literally unplayable. Coman owes him a couple of assists, as does Musiala.
• Harry Kane remains isolated (shock! horror!) but he scored, wish he simply got involved more often.
• Konrad Laimer’s defending at right-back leaves so much to be desired.

Halftime: Mainz 1-2 Bayern Munich.

42’ — Goal. Mainz get one back right before halftime.

16’ — GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Harry Kane makes it 2-0!

10’ — GOOOOOOOOOAL! Kingsley Coman makes it 1-0!

Kickoff: We’re underway in Mainz!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Bayern Munich actually do have a midfield today, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka both managing to start. Meanwhile, Thomas Müller has unfortunately been benched though Jamal Musiala manages to start. There are zero midfielders on the bench with Konrad Laimer starting at right-back.

With the international break finally over, Bayern Munich can get back to the business of hunting for a 13th consecutive Bundesliga title. Is 13 an unlucky number? Maybe if you’re Thomas Tuchel, because the squad isn’t cutting him a break.

Serge Gnabry, Noussair Mazraoui, Dayot Upamecano and Raphaël Guerreiro are all out of commission, and Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are both doubtful. Missing half a defense and most of a midfield, the coach has to pull together a performance against a team that beat him 3-1 last season at the same ground. Can he really pull it off?

It’s Bayern time.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our Weekend Warm-up Podcast! Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: MEWA Arena, Mainz, Germany

Time: 6:30 pm local time, 12:30 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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