Harry Kane scores late from the spot as Bayern Munich are held 2-2 by bottom club Mainz at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at home against bottom side Mainz. Harry Kane’s late penalty rescued a point at the Allianz Arena. Despite the result, Bayern extended their lead at the top to nine points. Vincent Kompany’s side controlled large spells but struggled to break down a resilient visitor. Mainz defended deep and punished Bayern’s lapses. The draw felt frustrating for the hosts.
Bayern made their pressure count after 29 minutes. Seventeen-year-old Lennart Karl finished from close range. Serge Gnabry provided the assist after neat work on the right. The goal reflected Bayern’s early control. Michael Olise and Kane both tested Daniel Batz before the breakthrough. Mainz remained compact and waited for set pieces.
Just before halftime, Mainz found an equaliser. William Bøving delivered a dangerous free kick. Kacper Potulski rose highest to head home. The goal arrived against the run of play. Bayern went into the break level despite dominating possession. Mainz grew in belief.
Shock second half turnaround
Bayern pushed again after the restart. Gnabry saw a close-range effort saved and Kane had a follow up cleared off the line. The chances kept coming. Against the flow, Mainz struck again on 67 minutes. Stefan Bell clipped a perfect pass into the box. Lee Jae Sung guided his header past Manuel Neuer to make it 2-1.
The goal stunned the home crowd. Bayern threw numbers forward in search of a response. Mainz defended deeper as the pressure increased. With three minutes left, Bayern earned a penalty. Potulski pulled Kane inside the area. The England captain stepped up and converted confidently. Kane has now scored all 20 of his Bundesliga penalties. The strike was his 18th league goal of the season. Bayern avoided a rare home defeat.
Lennart Karl impressed again with his energy and movement. The teenager was Bayern’s brightest attacking spark. Kane remained influential despite limited space. For Mainz, goalkeeper Daniel Batz produced several fine saves. Lee Jae Sung led the counter attacks well. Urs Fischer’s side showed discipline throughout. Bayern recorded far more shots and 85% possession. However, they struggled to deal with set pieces. Mainz made the most of their few chances.
Bayern stay top of the Bundesliga with a nine-point cushion. They remain unbeaten in the league this season. The draw will still feel like two dropped points. Mainz remain bottom but the performance offers encouragement. They earned a point away at the league leaders. It could prove valuable in their survival fight.
Bayern travel to Heidenheim next Sunday in the Bundesliga. Kompany will expect a sharper display. Mainz return home to face St Pauli in their next league outing where they will look to build on this result. Before that, Mainz face Turkish side Samsunspor in the UEFA Conference League in midweek.
