Bayern slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat at Mainz on Saturday and missed the chance to beat the Bundesliga title on a difficult afternoon for the reigning champions.
Die Roten ended up after just three minutes, when Manuel Neuer completely misjudged a hard attack from Jonathan Burkardt and stuck out a weak hand, only to hide it in the back of his own net. He reconciled his mistake shortly after, first tipping a great effort from distance to the post and then rejecting another shot from close range.
Half time in Mainz.
? ⚪ # M05FCB 2-0 pic.twitter.com/kaCDSSSlNO
– ??? FC Bayern English ??? (@FCBayernEN) April 24, 2021
Bayern’s nightmare first half continued, however, and Mainz doubled their lead in 37 minutes, with Robin Quaison heading home Philipp Mwene’s set to give the hosts a shock two-goal advantage at the break.
The visitors dominated the ball for large periods of the second half, but could not cut out any serious chances against a stubborn backline. Robert Lewandowski pulled one back in the last minute of injury time, but it was as good as it got for Bayern, who left the game without the title in their hands.
Okay, let’s check out the player’s ratings.
Jumps highest | Alexander Scheuber / Getty Images
Manuel Neuer (GK) – 4/10 – Made a completely stinking attempt to stop Mainz opener, but then returned to his former self to keep the score down. Lack of presence for others. His mistakes set the tone for a bad afternoon all the time.
Benjamin Pavard (RB) – 5/10 – The messy first half did the damage, as he let a series of vicious attacks and crosses rain down from his flank.
Jerome Boateng (CB) – 5/10 – Everything at sea. Never saw decidedly and played his part in the chaos that enabled Mainz to shoot chance after chance against Neuer.
David Alaba (CB) – 5/10 – A real shocker. Drove the ball into Burkardt’s way towards the opener and could not take care of the game. Picked up a booking when the mood flared up. Moved into midfield before leaving.
Alphonso Davies (LB) – 7/10 – One of the better artists, who drives up the field and tries to spark something from this forward line. Exploded in dangerous positions on a couple of occasions, but could not choose her husband.
Anxiety | KAI PFAFFENBACH / Getty Images
Joshua Kimmich (CM) – 6/10 – Looked to bring Bayern back into the game by increasing the pace, but Mainz sat deep to deny all intelligent passes over the top. Fizzed a shot over from a distance.
Leon Goretzka (CM) – 5/10 – Let the game pass him in the middle of the park. Sacrificed at half time when Hansi Flick mixed up. Did not do enough to stay on the field.
Thomas Muller (AM) – 5/10 – Lewandowski could not be provided with the balls he needed. Could not slip into the spaces where he usually works so clinically. Marked out of the match.
Grimacing | KAI PFAFFENBACH / Getty Images
Leroy Sane (RW) – 5/10 – The last ball was seriously missing during the first half. His husband could not be beaten and when he did, he chose open spaces. Subbed at half time.
Robert Lewandowski (ST) – 6/10 – Looked a bit rusty. The men could not be clicked on either side of him. Took a kick on the ankle during the first half, and whether it affected his game can be discussed. Hidden his only good chance in the afternoon with the last kick in the game.
Kingsley Coman (LW) – 5/10 – Just as ineffective – possibly worse – than Sane on the other side. A massive off-day and was released from his misery after 45 minutes.
Triple sub at the break?
➡️ @JamalMusiala, #Nianzou, #ChoupoMoting
⬅️ @leongoretzka_, #Coman, @leroy_sane
? ⚪ # M05FCB 2-0 (46 ‘) pic.twitter.com/lbUjCrVKIV
– ??? FC Bayern English ??? (@FCBayernEN) April 24, 2021
Jamal Musiala (RW) – 6/10
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (LW) – 7/10
Tanguy Nianzou (CB) – 6/10
Serge Gnabry (AM) – 6/10
