Supersubs inspire Bayern’s historic comeback win in Mainz | OneFootball

Bayern Munich produced a comeback for ages as a second-half masterclass overturned a three-goal deficit in Mainz. The hosts missed the chance to beat the newly-crowned champions for the fifth time in six years at Mewa Arena in a disappointing manner.

Vincent Kompany made eight changes to the side that beat Bayer Leverkusen to secure a first DFB-Pokal final appearance for Bayern in six years. With Tuesday’s game against PSG in mind, the champions took the risk against one of the in-form teams in the Bundesliga.

And that did prove costly with Mainz’s relentless attack in the first-half. In particular, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye struggled in his starting debut after a couple of cameo appearances in recent weeks.

The hosts scored from their first real chance in the 15th minute before squandering several chances in a dominant display. Dominik Kohr scored his second goal of the season minutes before his customary yellow card.

Jonas Urbig’s unconvincing punch from Nadiem Amiri’s corner-kick led to the chance as Kaishū Sano found Kohr with a brilliant play from the wing. Including a double save to deny Amiri and Sheraldo Becker, Urbig had a fine spell for the next 15 minutes.

However, Mainz scored twice from rebounds from Amiri’s attempts before half-time. Paul Nebel was the first to benefit from Urbig’s weak save before a more questionable stop led to the third goal on the stroke of half-time by the hard-working Becker.

Kompany didn’t waste any time in search of a dramatic comeback as Michael Olise and Harry Kane were introduced at the start of the second-half. The first was involved in the goal that brought hope for the visitors.

His link-up play with Konrad Laimer created an opening for Nicolas Jackson as the Senegal international scored his tenth goal for Bayern with a decent finish. Olise then took it on himself with a similar outstanding strike to the one he netted against Real Madrid.

The half-time substitute was also the instigator for the equalizing goal in the 80th minute. Fellow substitute Jamal Musiala scored from close range after Mainz failed to clear the danger from Olise’s delivery.

Bayern’s right flank was on fire after the restart as they took the lead for the first time three minutes later. Daniel Batz’s poor block from Musiala’s cross presented Kane with the easiest chance to score the winner for Bayern.

The record champions celebrated the goal wildly as they achieved the near impossible. It’s only the second time Bayern have won a Bundesliga game after going behind by at least three goals. The only previous occasion was back in 1976 when they beat Bochum 6-5.