Müller reaches 500 as Bayern get close to Meisterschale
| Sané and Olise fires Bayern closer to Meisterschale | Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images |
Champions-elect started the game with two changes from the team that beat Heidenheim 4-0 the previous week. Josip Stanišić and Leroy Sané are back in the starting lineup. Similarly, Bo Henriksen restored Phillipp Mwene, Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Paul Nebel to Mainz's XI.
Sané had Bayern's best chance inside the first 10 minutes, while Jonathan Burkardt was the danger man for the visitors. The winger also tied up Stanišić who came close to put the hosts in front. Bayern had to step up their effort even more with Leverkusen scoring the opener against Augsburg.
Sané, who is on the verge of extending his contract at the club, was at the center of it when the Bavarians opened the floodgate. After an accidental challenge from Sanè, Anthony Caci had to leave the pitch to get treatment. Meanwhile, before Henriksen replaced Caci, Bayern went in front thanks to an emphatic finish from Sané.
Bayern's #10 reached double digit Bundesliga goals for the first time in his career. And, five minutes before half-time, Michael Olise registered his 20th direct goal involvement. The Frenchman scored another stunning goal in the near post.
The 2-0 first-half lead gives Bayern the platform to seal their championship win next week, but it'll be without a certain Harry Kane. The league's top-scorer picked up his fifth yellow card of the season at the closing stage of the half.
Early in the second-half, Sané nearly scored another goal when he was denied by the post. With twenty minutes left on the clock, Mainz had another scare when Danny Da Costa saw a straight red card for a challenge on Sané. However, the decision was overturned by VAR as the man of the match was marginally in an offside position.
The two goal scorers continued to fashion more chances late in the game, but Robin Zentner had a good second-half display. However, he was unable to prevent Eric Dier from scoring Bayern's third goal in the 84th minute from yet another assist by Olise from a corner-kick.
There was also a momentous occasion for Rekordmeister as Thomas Müller entered the pitch for his 500th Bundesliga appearance. On the other hand, 17-year-old Jonah Kusi-Asare was subbed on late in the game for his Bundesliga debut.
Bayern can clinch the title with a win in Leipzig next week. Meanwhile, Mainz further slipped from the Champions League spot as their winless run extended to six games.
