1. FSV Mainz 05 3-4 FC Bayern Munich: Thrilling comeback sees Bayern snatch late win at the MEWA Arena

FC Bayern Munich produced a stunning second-half fightback to beat 1. FSV Mainz 05 4-3 in a Bundesliga classic at the MEWA Arena on April 25, 2026. The visitors trailed 3-1 at half-time but scored three times after the break, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, to keep their title hopes alive.

Match Overview

Mainz started the match with incredible intensity and were rewarded in the 8th minute. A long throw into the box was not dealt with, and Karim Onisiwo pounced to poke the ball home from close range. Bayern responded through Jamal Musiala, who equalized with a curled finish after a neat one-two with Thomas Müller, making it 1-1.

But Mainz refused to be overawed. In the 31st minute, Jae-sung Lee restored the lead with a powerful header from a corner. Just before half-time, the hosts added a third when Ludovic Ajorque rose highest to meet a free kick and powered a header past Manuel Neuer. The MEWA Arena erupted as Mainz went into the break with a 3-1 advantage.

Second Half: Bayern's Comeback

Bayern came out with renewed purpose after the interval. In the 52nd minute, a quick passing move ended with Leroy Sané cutting in from the right and firing a low shot into the far corner to reduce the deficit to 3-2. The momentum had shifted, and Mainz began to retreat deeper.

Bayern continued to press for an equalizer, and it came in the 74th minute. A deflected cross fell to substitute Serge Gnabry, who swept the ball home from six yards out. The game seemed destined for a draw, but Bayern had other ideas.

Deep into stoppage time, a long ball forward was flicked on by Harry Kane to Thomas Müller, who cut the ball back to Musiala. The young German attacker calmly slotted his second of the game past the helpless Mainz goalkeeper, sealing a remarkable 4-3 victory.

Tactical Story

• Mainz's set piece dominance: The hosts scored twice from set pieces in the first half, exposing Bayern's defensive frailty.
• Bayern's high press: After half-time, Bayern pushed higher and aggressively won the ball back in Mainz's half, creating chances through turnovers.
• Individual quality: Musiala and Sané's technical ability proved decisive in breaking down a resolute Mainz defence in the second half.

Standout Players

• Jamal Musiala (Bayern): Scored twice, including the injury-time winner, and was a constant threat with his dribbling and vision.
• Ludovic Ajorque (Mainz): Led the line brilliantly and scored a powerful header, causing problems for Bayern's centre-backs all evening.
• Thomas Müller (Bayern): Provided two assists and his experience was invaluable in organizing Bayern's second-half response.

Season Impact

Bayern's dramatic win keeps them within striking distance of league leaders Borussia Dortmund, now just two points behind with three matches remaining. The result extends their unbeaten run against Mainz to 12 games. For Mainz, the defeat is a heartbreaking blow to their hopes of a top-seven finish. They drop to 10th, now four points adrift of European places, and will need to bounce back quickly against Heidenheim next week.

Bayern will travel to face RB Leipzig next weekend in what could be a title-deciding clash, while Mainz face a tough trip to Wolfsburg as they aim to keep their European dream alive.