Sven Ulrich
Was about to fall asleep when two loud KLONKS woke him up in the 32nd minute – Jonathan Burkhardt and Jae-sung Lee hit the crossbar and the post in quick succession. But that was nothing at all in injury time in the first half. First caused a penalty because he stretched his arm for a very long time after a cross and rushed into Burkhardt as he fell. Ulreich thought he touched the ball with the tip of his glove. Referee Benjamin Cortus was sure after a very long video study: No. Ulreich saved the following (and very central) penalty from Burkhardt (photo) – only to concede the goal in the following corner. Then actually slumbered away in the 82nd minute when he played the ball into the foot of Mainz before the 2:5. Manuel Neuer, who has been out for six games with shoulder pain, saw it in the stands – an open return.
Noussair Mazraoui
Played a little surprisingly in place of the in-form Benjamin Pavard, perhaps Julian Nagelsmann wanted to see a few more dribbles, which the Moroccan can do better than the Frenchman. But would probably have gone well with Pavard.
Dayot Upamecano
Had a nice afternoon task against the very talented Jonathan Burkhardt, which demanded everything from him. Sometimes had to use his higher weight class as an argument. Remained conscientious and stable in a game that was, at least in sections, more difficult than the result suggested.
Matthijs de Ligt
The new Dutch beacon of the Bayern defense, just after its signal appearance in Barcelona. But just before half-time, medical staff pressed the back of his thigh, rarely a good sign of muscle health. Remained in the dressing room, Benjamin Pavard came in for him.
Alphonso Davies
Of course it’s boring because it’s always the same thing you can write about him, but it’s always true: it’s too fast for such a perfectly normal Bundesliga game. He ignited the afterburner several times and in an impressive scene almost ran past two struggling players from Mainz – Fernandes just caught him. Incidentally, because he is so fast, his numerous positional mistakes are not noticed.
Joshua Kimmich
Looked to the left: no Mainzer. Looked to the right: no Mainzer. Nice, he thought, then I can do my work here undisturbed. Rarely had so much space in the center of the game, especially in the early stages, and used his calmness to play a few relaxed balls forward.
Leon Goretzka
After almost an hour, sailed through the Mainz penalty area like a flying Olympic tower and headed the 4-1 from the second floor. He then drummed on his muscular chest (photo) and was allowed to go home immediately afterwards.
Serge Gnabry
As deep as it rolled into the mold dent, it drives out of it with just as much momentum. Against Barcelona with one of his memorable European Cup performances, which he usually succeeds in London (Chelsea, Tottenham). Against Mainz again with a goal and a dynamic appearance. Back in time for the World Cup.
Jamal Musiala
Already bitter for Mainz: Their tactic is to make the space in front of their own goal as narrow as possible and then Jamal Musiala plays there of all places, slipping through gaps like water through a fishing net. Again with movements that you only see with him. Dribbled elegantly along the entire penalty area before his goal to make it 2-0, where someone should actually have disturbed him. Nobody made it. Also otherwise an appearance that one would describe as “sensational” if he had not long since made such games normal.
Ah, and because the section here is called individual criticism: Played an unclean pass in the first half. Yet. For real.
Sadio Mané
Somehow the penalty was representative of his season: It rarely works the first time, but the bottom line is that the result is right. Played a game again that consisted of numerous small inaccuracies – once the ball was not accepted, once he complained about a penalty after his own failed shot. When he was fouled in the 43rd minute and went for the penalty himself, he shot weakly and missed – but his follow-up shot was there. Also collected two scorer points because he played Gnabrys 1-0 and Goretzka’s 4-1. As I said: the bottom line is that it fits.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Again with a very good game. Blocked the way in front of Gnabry 1:0, acted as a technically strong wall player in front of Musialas 2:0. After his goal from a tight angle against Barcelona, he almost scored against Mainz from an even tighter angle – the post initially prevented his goal. Is currently an indispensable part of this team – and of course he scored himself in the 86th minute. Has a run the size of a marathon.
substitute
Mathys Tel didn’t score with his first but with his second action, which is still okay for a 17-year-old. Also came Benjamin Pavard at halftime, Ryan Gravenberch, Marcel Sabitzer and Kingsley Coman.
