Mainz 05 Vs. Bayern Munich: Bastian Schweinsteiger Header Puts Visitors Ahead

Not even ten minutes into this vital clash in the Bundesliga’s race for European places and Germany’s record champions are ahead with just their second shot on goal; Bastian Schweinsteiger’s third league goal of the season has given FCB the lead.

Mainz tried to start on the front foot as Christian Fuchs shot towards Thomas Kraft’s goal straight from the kickoff; the young Bayern ‘keeper was alert to the danger, though, and prevented a cheeky opener. Mainz have been trying to test Philipp Lahm down their left side, but Bayern could benefit from that as it gives Arjen Robben more space along that flank.

Bayern had been struggling to keep the ball in midfield, but Franck Ribéry made a good run down the right at the seven minute mark, and Jan Kirchoff him pulled down just on the edge of the penalty area. The Frenchman took the resulting set-piece and hit it low towards Heinz Müller’s near post, forcing a good save from the Mainz goalkeeper. Ribéry took the resulting corner short to Daniel Pranjic, then got the ball back from Pranjic and whipped it in to the far post; Robben headed back across the face of goal for Schweinsteiger, who had an easy header just three yards out and gave Bayern the lead.

Mainz came pouring forward just after Bayern opened the scoring, and the Bavarians responded with a rapid counterattack that could have doubled their advantage as Robben pulled the ball back nicely for Thomas Müller, who was just inside the penalty area, from the touchline, but the World Cup Golden Boot winner hit his shot well over the bar.