Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
In a remarkable twist to the Bundesliga saga, Mainz forward Lee Jae-Sung orchestrated a spectacular performance, netting two exquisite goals that saw his team topple the league titans, Bayern Munich, with a riveting scoreline of 2-1. This stellar feat unfolded on Saturday, dramatically snapping Bayern’s unbeaten streak this season.
The 32-year-old South Korean international struck with flair just four minutes shy of halftime, taking full advantage of a glaring defensive lapse from a seemingly lackluster Bayern side.
But it was the second goal, scored just after the hour mark, that truly left fans in awe. Lee spun effortlessly in the penalty box, executing a seamless finish that rendered the entire Bayern defense statue-like, paralyzed by the swift and intricate attacking play.
This game marked a historic first league defeat for Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, who had previously etched his name into Bundesliga lore as only the third manager to remain unbeaten in his first 13 league matches.
“We faced a team brimming with life and determination, ready to battle for every fleeting moment,” Kompany acknowledged in an analysis of the clash.
“We didn’t lack fight; our effort was palpable. However, we simply weren’t at our peak today.”
With the Bundesliga poised to enter a three-week winter recess following the upcoming matchweek, Kompany emphasized the need to transform this setback into motivation.
“This match is now a chapter closed. We can’t rewrite it,” he mused. “Instead, we’ll channel this into a fire that fuels our preparations for next week. The Mainz game is a thing of the past, but in the future… we’re eager for redemption.”
Despite the loss, Bayern remains perched at the summit of the league table with a robust 33 points, maintaining a four-point buffer over Bayer Leverkusen, who triumphed 2-0 against Augsburg.
Injuries had plagued Bayern during the match, with eight players sidelined, including their star striker, Harry Kane. The Bavarians commenced with vigor, nearly scoring as Michael Olise struck the woodwork in the sixth minute.
Meanwhile, Mainz’s aspirations took a hit when Jonathan Burkhardt—their recent scoring dynamo—was forced off due to injury after making a menacing run in the 14th minute.
Nevertheless, the hosts stood resolute, exhibiting greater offensive prowess. Notably, Anthony Caci squandered an excellent opportunity as his close-range attempt was thwarted by Bayern’s keeper Daniel Peretz.
Lee’s brilliance shone through just before the break, capitalizing on a well-placed cross that slipped through Bayern’s Kim Min-jae and Olise.
He then followed up seamlessly with a clinical finish in the second half—once again, turning adeptly in the box to clinically slot home after a deft six-pass exchange that left the visitors in disarray.
Despite Leroy Sané’s late goal in the 87th minute providing a glimmer of hope for Bayern, their revival attempts fizzled, as Mainz secured their hard-fought lead with assured composure.
