Bayern Munich maintained their position at the top of the Bundesliga table on Saturday after defeating Mainz 2-1 at the Mewa Arena, despite an injury setback involving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
The victory in the ninth round of the German league took Bayern to 21 points, keeping them ahead of their closest challengers on goal difference. Mainz remained 10th with 10 points.
Germany international Joshua Kimmich opened the scoring for Bayern in the 14th minute after Harry Kane capitalised on a defensive mistake by the hosts.
Kane laid the ball off to Kimmich, who unleashed a powerful strike into the top-right corner.
Bayern extended their lead in the 57th minute through young forward Lennart Karl, who finished off another assist from Kane to put the visitors in a comfortable position.
Mainz fought back late in the game, with Philipp Tietz heading home in the 90th+3 minute to reduce the deficit.
However, the hosts were unable to find an equaliser as Bayern held on for the victory.
The win was overshadowed by an injury to Neuer, who was forced off before half-time with a foot problem.
The 40-year-old was replaced by Jonas Urbig after Mainz’s Lee Jae-sung had a goal disallowed for offside.
Neuer’s injury raised concerns over a possible recurrence of the foot problem that previously sidelined him for three matches before his return against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Bayern were already dealing with several injury absences, with Jamal Musiala, Ismail Ben Sibari, Serge Gnabry and Luis Diaz unavailable for the encounter.
The Bavarian side will now hope Neuer’s injury is not serious as they continue their bid to defend the Bundesliga title.
