Painful defeat at Mainz may cost Bayern lead in Bundesliga

With five games left to play, the battle for the German national title is far from over. Bayern Munich suffered a painful 3-1 defeat at FSV Mainz on Saturday. As a result, Borussia Dortmund, which plays later tonight, can take over the lead if they win.

Before halftime, things were not running smoothly for Bayern, which was eliminated in the Champions League last Wednesday, but the chances were for the visitors. Sadio Mané’s first goal was disallowed, but his second counted. It was the 31-year-old Senegalese’s first goal in the Bundesliga since late October.

After halftime, Thomas Tuchel’s team collapsed completely. Ludovic Ajorque headed in the equalizer in the 65th minute. Less than 15 minutes later, a 3-1 lead for the home team was on the scoreboard.

Leandro Barreiro had scored Mainz’s second goal, Aaron Martín gave goalkeeper Yann Sommer the lead with a shot into the far corner. Bayern then lay dormant and did not even manage to squeeze out a final offensive.

The defeat against Mainz gives Borussia Dortmund another chance to come alongside. A week ago, Dortmund could also have benefited from a slip by Bayern (1-1 against Hoffenheim), but then the Bundesliga number two failed to do so.

Borussia Dortmund will take on Eintracht Frankfurt tonight, the number nine in the standings.