​​Kane saves Bayern as bottom club Mainz stun Allianz Arena

Unbeaten run survives late scare

Harry Kane’s late penalty rescued Bayern Munich from a shock home defeat as Bundesliga basement side Mainz held the champions to a 2–2 draw at the Allianz Arena. The result preserved Bayern’s unbeaten league start but marked the first time this season they dropped points at home, while Mainz claimed an unlikely and morale-boosting point in their fight for survival.

Early control, deserved lead

Bayern dominated possession from the opening whistle and quickly settled into familiar territory, pinning Mainz deep inside their own half. Although clear chances were initially scarce, the breakthrough came after 29 minutes when Lennart Karl finished off a neat move from close range to score his third Bundesliga goal of the campaign.

At that point, the contest appeared to be heading for a routine Bayern afternoon. Kane, fresh from a hat-trick the previous weekend, went close with a header that required an excellent save from Daniel Batz, while Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise caused consistent problems down the flanks.

Mainz shock the hosts

Despite spending much of the first half defending, Mainz stunned Bayern with an equaliser at the worst possible moment. With the final kick before the break, William Bøving’s free kick found Kacper Potulski, who guided his header into the bottom corner to level the match completely against the run of play.

That goal transformed the dynamic, and the visitors emerged with renewed belief after the restart. Bayern continued to push, but their wastefulness was punished again when Mainz completed a remarkable turnaround. Stefan Bell’s lofted delivery into the area was met by Lee Jae-sung, whose diving header flew past Manuel Neuer to give the league’s bottom side a shock lead.

Kane steps up late

Bayern threw bodies forward in response, leaving themselves vulnerable on the counter as Mainz threatened to deliver a historic upset. With time running out, relief finally arrived in the 87th minute when Potulski brought Kane down inside the box. The England captain kept his nerve, sending Batz the wrong way from the spot.

The goal was Kane’s 50th for Bayern in 2025 and his 80th in the Bundesliga, ensuring the champions avoided defeat but leaving them frustrated after letting control slip. For Mainz, the draw felt like a victory, while Bayern were left with a warning that even the bottom club can punish complacency.