We are now eleven points ahead. Bayer Leverkusen continues to move lonely at the top of the Bundesliga.
Bayer Leverkusen remains the measure of all things in the Bundesliga – and is still at the top of the table after 23 match days without a defeat. FC Bayern must have taken a close look at Leverkusen’s 2-1 win against Mainz 05. Because of the victory, Leverkusen is now eleven points ahead of Bayern, who will be under even more pressure on Saturday against Leipzig (6.30 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online).
Granit Xhaka gave Leverkusen the lead with a dream goal (3rd). After Dominik Kohr equalized just four minutes later (7th), it took until the 68th minute for Bayer’s next goal. Robert Andrich shot from distance, Mainz keeper Robin Zentner made a mistake – 2-1. Bad luck for Mainz: Substitute Jessic Ngankam also saw a red card in the final phase (80th).
In addition to the victory, the Werkself can also celebrate a record: It was the 33rd game in a row without defeat, meaning the leaders improved Bayern’s record (32 from 2019 to 2020).
That’s how the game went
Bayer coach
The favorite started furiously and scored with the first shot. Xhaka shot the ball beautifully over Mainz keeper Zentner to take the early lead. But Mainz reacted strongly, after a free kick captain Silvan Widmer found Kohr in the middle, who headed the equalizer.
A tough game followed. The penultimate team from Mainz responded to Leverkusen’s offensive power football with a lot of physicality. Bayer developed an attack.
The strong player in this phase kept Mainz in the game several times with saves, but as in Heidenheim, the Werkself often lacked accuracy. Chances from Hofmann (40th) and Alejandro Grimaldo with a free kick (43rd) were thwarted by Zentner.
After the break, Mainz became brave, Jae-Sung Lee intercepted a pass from Tapsoba just outside the penalty area, finished directly and shot over (55th). The Leverkusen team tried hard, but was still not precise. Andrich’s long-range shot was also too central, but slipped through Zentner’s fingers – and Leverkusen celebrated.