Thiago answers Bayern’s call to earn home draw against Mainz
Thiago Alcantara's second-half equaliser spared Bayern Munich from what could have been an embarrassing home defeat to Mainz.
Thiago Alcántara's late equaliser spared Bayern Munich from what could have turned out to have been an embarrassing home defeat to Mainz 05 - the runaway Bundesliga leaders were forced to bounce back after going behind twice at the Allianz Arena.
Week to forget for Bayern
Having exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid just a few days ago, the draw caps a woeful week for Bayern, who are without a win in their last four games. Relegation battlers Mainz came close to another shock win in Munich, but the hosts extended their unbeaten home run in the league to 20 matches dating back to March 2016 - when they lost 2-1 to none other than today’s opponents...
Thiago saves the day
Thiago hit the equaliser 17 minutes from time against a team just one point above the relegation places with four games left. Prior to that, it had been a poor performance from double-chasing Bayern ahead of Wednesday's German Cup semi-final at home to Borussia Dortmund.
Ancelotti laments poor display against Mainz
“It wasn't easy to play after the shock against Real Madrid, but we could have done better. We expected more. We weren't good in the first half and not compact enough. I am sure it will be better against Dortmund on Wednesday. We have time to prepare ourselves and we will play better”, Ancelotti said after the game.
Mainz took the lead just three minutes after kick-off at the Allianz Arena when former Barcelona player Bojan Krkic fired home his first ever goal for the club to leave the home crowd stunned. Normal service was resumed when Arjen Robben sprinted onto Franck Ribery's superb pass and rifled Bayern back level on 16 minutes.
The home team then lost defender David Alaba, who left the pitch clutching his thigh and appears to be doubtful for Wednesday's Cup semi-final.
Bayern's problems were further compounded when his replacement Joshua Kimmich fouled Yoshinori Muto inside the area. Deputy keeper Sven Ulreich, on for the injured Manuel Neuer, couldn’t stop Daniel Brosinski's penalty on 41 minutes as Mainz restored their one-goal lead going into the break. Bayern however finally made their 75 per cent possession count through Thiago's leveller from 17 yards out.