Joshua Kimmich and Lennart Karl scored from Harry Kane’s work as Bayern Munich won 2-1 at Mainz despite an injury to Manuel Neuer. Felix Nmecha’s second-half double gave Borussia Dortmund a 2-1 win over Elversberg, leaving both level at the top.
Mainz, Germany: The Bundesliga’s two leaders did what leaders do on a Saturday, and neither made it easy. Bayern Munich survived a late scare and an injury to their goalkeeper at the Mewa Arena, while Borussia Dortmund had to hold off a late Elversberg goal at home. Both sides are on 21 points after nine games, with Bayern ahead on goal difference.
Kane makes it, Kimmich and Karl take it
Bayern led in the 14th minute. Harry Kane won the ball after a misplaced pass from Mainz’s Jae-sung Lee and fed Joshua Kimmich, who shot into the top corner from the edge of the area. Shortly before the break, Lee headed in what looked like an equaliser, but VAR ruled it out for offside, and Manuel Neuer left the field injured with a foot problem after the incident. Jonas Urbig replaced him. Bayern’s second came in the 57th minute. Kane’s shot was blocked, he poked the loose ball across, and Lennart Karl scored, with Kane again credited with the assist.
Mainz made it nervous in stoppage time. Philipp Tietz headed in a cross in the third minute of added time, but the visitors held on. The injury list is the bigger concern for Bayern: Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Luis Díaz were also absent. Bayern had beaten Atlético Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.
Nmecha takes charge in Dortmund
Dortmund had to wait. The match was goalless at the break, and Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a low finish. He added a second in the 71st, curling in a rebound from outside the box. Noel Futkeu pulled one back for Elversberg in the 81st minute with an overhead kick, and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel had to keep out Elversberg’s late efforts as the home side saw it out. The win extended Dortmund’s unbeaten start to the league season. Niko Kovač’s side had also beaten Real Betis in the Champions League earlier in the week.
Results (Bundesliga, matchday 9, Saturday 7 November 2026): Mainz 1 (Tietz 90+3’), Bayern Munich 2 (Kimmich 14’, Karl 57’); Borussia Dortmund 2 (Nmecha 55’, 71’), Elversberg 1 (Futkeu 81’).
