Bayern returned to winning ways without ever asserting complete dominance, capitalising on an early gift from the hosts. South Korean midfielder Lee handed Bayern the initiative after 15 minutes with an errant backpass straight to an unmarked Harry Kane on the edge of the area. Kane teed up Joshua Kimmich, who unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the box that beat Zentner with ferocious power.

Yet despite their lead, the Bavarian giants carved out very little. Aside from an isolated chance to double the advantage, a second goal proved elusive. Mainz steadily ironed out their passing errors and began wrestling for control in midfield.

During that spell, Kane squandered the best opportunity to extend the lead after latching onto a through ball from Karl, only to see Zentner deny him in the one-on-one. Moments later, Neuer pulled off a sharp stop from a Konigsdorffer header.

The German goalkeeper was central to the final flashpoint of the first half when he charged out to punch clear an Amiri set piece. Tah flicked it on and Lee nodded the ball into the net. The assistant referee ruled out the goal for offside, but the collision brought dire consequences: Neuer sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Urbig. Bayern retreated to the dressing room in front, albeit without ever fully mastering the contest.

Mainz's resistance finally cracked on the hour mark when Laimer slipped a clever pass behind the home backline to Kane. The England captain squared for Lennart Karl to tuck home and make it 2-0, registering his eleventh assist of the campaign across all competitions.

Karl's strike punctured the hosts' belief and allowed Bayern to cruise home without needing to step on the accelerator. The visitors endured a few uncomfortable moments, but never found themselves against the ropes. Phillip Tietz grabbed a consolation goal in the 93rd minute, but it came far too late. Two clinical strikes were enough for Bayern to navigate a tricky away trip and keep pace with Dortmund at the summit of the Bundesliga.