Bayern Munich secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mainz in the Bundesliga on Saturday, but the performance of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will be a concern for the team. Neuer made history by becoming Bayern's oldest player at 40 years and 225 days, surpassing Bernd Dreher's record. However, his day was marred by a mistake that almost led to an equaliser for Mainz and a recurrence of a foot injury that forced him off before halftime.
Neuer's error occurred when he was left flailing at a cross, allowing Mainz's Lee Jae-Sung to put the ball in the back of the net with Bayern leading 1-0. The effort was ruled out for offside, but it was another mistake for Neuer, who has been struggling with form this season. According to Sofascore using Opta data, this was his fifth error leading to a goal in his previous 17 Bundesliga games, or one every 3.4 matches.
Neuer's injury had kept him out of recent matches, and his return in this week's 2-0 Champions League win at Atletico Madrid was a positive sign. However, his withdrawal before halftime will be a concern for Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel. Neuer was replaced by 23-year-old Jonas Urbig, who will likely be given more opportunities in the coming weeks.
Despite Neuer's struggles, Bayern were able to secure the win thanks to goals from Joshua Kimmich and 18-year-old Lennart Karl, who was assisted by Harry Kane. The English striker, who won the Ballon d'Or last year, was unable to find the net himself but provided two assists to help his team extend their unbeaten away run in the league to 31 games.
The win maintains Bayern's lead at the top of the Bundesliga from Borussia Dortmund, with both clubs on 21 points from nine games. Bayern have a superior goal difference, which will be crucial in the title run-in. Dortmund were given a scare by promoted Elversberg but won 2-1 thanks to two goals from Felix Nmecha.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, third-placed RB Leipzig won 5-2 at home to Augsburg, while Eintracht Frankfurt drew 2-2 at Paderborn. Jonathan Burkardt scored a 93rd-minute equaliser for Frankfurt in a battle between two midtable sides. The results keep the top teams in close proximity, with Leipzig just three points behind the leaders.
The focus will now shift to Neuer's injury and how it will impact Bayern's performances in the coming weeks. The team will need to manage without their experienced goalkeeper, who has been a key player for the club over the years. His absence will provide an opportunity for Urbig to gain more experience and for Tuchel to assess his options.
Key points
- Neuer becomes Bayern's oldest player at 40 years and 225 days
- Neuer's error almost led to an equaliser for Mainz
- Bayern maintain lead at top of Bundesliga despite Neuer's struggles
