Bayern Munich reap late 2-1 win at Mainz in Bundesliga

Bayern Munich celebrate Arjen Robben’s late winner against Mainz 05.

Berlin, Dec 20 (IANS) Bayern Munich secured a late 2-1 victory over Mainz thanks to the winner by Arjen Robben at the curtain raiser of the 17th round in Bundesliga.

Josep Guardiola's men came from behind against courageous Mainz to earn their 14th victory from 17 matches thanks to Robben's late decider in the dying minutes of the game Friday, reports Xinhua.

Mainz staged a hard fight over 90 minutes but failed to earn a much-deserved draw against the German giants, who had to stretch to the limit.

From the kick-off the spectators at the outsold Coface-Arena witnessed a fast pace encounter, as both sides implemented an offensive strategy. However, the Bavarians failed to gain a foothold into the match whereas Mainz needed no settling-in period.

The hosts shocked Bayern through Pablo de Blasis, who headed home a cross in the fourth minute. However, the referee denied the goal due to an off-side position by the midfielder.

Bayern worked out their first noteworthy chance in the 19th minutes as Robben controlled a long diagonal cross to overcome goalkeeper Loris Karius from very close range. Nevertheless, Robben's goal was also called off-side.

Mainz continued their resilient performance to shock the visitors from Munich with the opener in the 21st minute. Shinji Okazaki assisted Elkin Soto with a square pass into the box, where the Colombian international nutmegged Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at the far post.

Bayern responded just two minutes later through Bastian Schweinsteiger, who scored his first goal of the season with a direct free-kick goal from 20 metres into the top left corner to restore parity.

After the break, Mainz had the golden chance to grab the lead for the second time but Yunus Malli failed to make it 2-1 with just Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer to beat.

Bayern punished Mainz laxness in front of the goal as Robben tapped in a cross at the far post to snatch a hard earned 2-1 victory on the road.

With the victory Bayern extend their point advantage atop the standings to 14 points for the moment. Meanwhile, Mainz suffered their fifth loss of the season to remain on the 11th place.