Bayern maintains unbeaten run with victory over Mainz

BERLIN, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich maintained its unbeaten Bundesliga record with a 2-1 victory over Mainz on Saturday, as goals from Joshua Kimmich and Lennart Karl secured three points despite a late response from Phillip Tietz.

Bayern, again without head coach Vincent Kompany due to health reasons, dominated possession from the outset and gradually forced Mainz into a defensive position.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 14th minute after Mainz surrendered possession under pressure. Harry Kane collected the loose ball and found Kimmich, who fired an unstoppable effort from outside the penalty area into the top corner.

Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Nathaniel Brown and Dayot Upamecano in quick succession before producing another save to thwart Kane.

Mainz appeared to have equalized shortly before halftime when Lee Jae-sung headed home following Nadiem Amiri's free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a video review.

Bayern captain Manuel Neuer suffered a foot injury and was replaced by Jonas Urbig. Neuer became Bayern's oldest Bundesliga player at 40 years and 225 days in his 550th league appearance.

Karl doubled Bayern's advantage in the 57th minute after Kane's initial attempt was blocked. The England striker reacted quickly to recover possession and supplied Karl, who finished from close range.

Upamecano struck the crossbar with a header in the closing stages before substitute Tietz pulled one back three minutes into stoppage time, heading home Benedict Hollerbach's cross.

"We are happy that we won. We are a little disappointed that we conceded a goal at the end. But we know that it is always a difficult game here in Mainz," Bayern assistant coach Aaron Danks said.

Bayern remains top with 21 points, while Mainz sits 11th with 10 points and is still searching for its first home victory.

Elsewhere, second-placed Borussia Dortmund beat Elversberg 2-1, level on points with Bayern, while third-placed RB Leipzig thrashed Augsburg 5-2. Stuttgart edged Werder Bremen 1-0, and 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt fought back to secure a 2-2 draw at Paderborn.

Maurice Krattenmacher (R) of SV Elversberg competes during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Elversberg in Dortmund, Germany, Nov. 7, 2026. (Photos: Xinhua)

Daniel Svensson (R) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Lukas Pinckert of SV Elversberg during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Elversberg in Dortmund, Germany, Nov. 7, 2026.

Felix Nmecha (3rd R) of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring with teammates during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Elversberg in Dortmund, Germany, Nov. 7, 2026.

Fabio Silva (R) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Maximilian Rohr of SV Elversberg during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Elversberg in Dortmund, Germany, Nov. 7, 2026.