Bayern Munich have been in fantastic form at Allianz Arena this season. However, they ended 2025 in a whimper at Allianz Arena as they dropped two points against Mainz on matchday 14 of the Bundesliga. Harry Kane converted from the spot late in the second half to rescue a point for Bayern.
After playing his strong XI against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, Vincent Kompany decided to make several changes to the team against Mainz. There was a new center-back partnership as Kim Min-jae and Hiroki Ito started in the heart of defense. Meanwhile, Tom Bischof slotted in the left-back position.
The hosts dominated the proceedings by circulating the ball. Mainz maintained a very tight shape despite being camped in their half. They didn’t allow Bayern any space in the final third.
After soaking up initial pressure, Mainz created the first big chance of the game in the 18th minute. Nikolas Veratschniga and Benedict Hollerbach combined well from a throw-in, which eventually saw the former deliver a pinpoint cross in the box to find Stefan Bell. The German defender’s header was deflected by Ito onto the frame of the goal.
Harry Kane had a header saved from close range a minute later. Bayern woke up after Mainz’s first chance. Mainz tested the goalkeeper with a curling attempt from the edge of the box.
The breakthrough for hosts eventually came in the 28th minute after a well-worked move. Michael Olise played a great through pass to find Kane’s run in the box. The English forward found Serge Gnabry at the back-post. The German winger showed great composure to square the ball to find the run of Lennart Karl. The teenager poked the ball into the net to give Die Roten a much-needed goal.
Die Roten controlled possession for the next 15 minutes, but they ended up conceding from a set-piece in the final minute of the first half. Kasper Potulski rose above everyone to meet the cross from William Boving. Despite having several chances in the first half, Bayern went level at the break.
Bayern struggled to finish their chances
After conceding a late equaliser in the first half, Bayern started the second half with purpose. They tested the visiting goalkeeper on multiple occasions. Mainz defended well as players put their bodies on the line keep Die Roten forwards at bay.
The visitors had to absorb pressure in the first 15 minutes of the second half before delivering a knockout punch in the 67th minute. Bell played an exquisite pass from the deep to find the run of Jae Sung-Lee. Josip Stanisic completely missed his man, and Lee ended up heading the ball past Neuer.
Bayern and the Bavarian faithful were stunned after Mainz took the lead. Kompany’s men were struggling to break down Mainz. They couldn’t create many clear-cut chances after Lee’s goal in the 67th minute.
The hosts got a golden opportunity to get back in the contest late in the game. Harry Kane was brought down in the box by Kacper Potulski. The English forward expertly converted from the spot and restored parity. Die Roten tried to get the winner in the last few minutes, but Mainz defended bravely to take a vital point.
It was a disappointing result and performance for Bayern. However, they remain at the top of the points table with a lead of eight points. Kompany will hope to see a strong response from his players in the final game of the year against Heidenheim on December 21.