Nothing to Lose Against the Record Champions

The reigning German champions are coming to the MEWA ARENA as Mainz 05 prepare to take on Bayern Munich at 3:30 PM CET (live on Sky, DAZN and 05ER.fm). Bayern arrive at Mainz top of the Bundesliga table, level on points with Borussia Dortmund, while the 05ER are looking to bounce back from a disappointing week that saw them suffer three consecutive defeats. However, Urs Fischer's side have nothing to lose against one of Europe's best teams. And Mainz has hardly been a happy hunting ground for Bayern in recent years, with the 05ER winning four of their last six Bundesliga home meetings with the record champions.

Facts and Figures Ahead of #M05FCB

The Last Meeting – A Remarkable Comeback in April

Mainz fans at the MEWA ARENA could hardly believe their eyes at half-time on Matchday 31 last season. The 05ER held a stunning 3-0 lead against Bayern Munich, who had already been crowned Bundesliga champions, thanks to goals from Dominik Kohr, Paul Nebel and Sheraldo Becker. However, Bayern did what they so often do and staged a remarkable comeback to win 4-3. Nicolas Jackson, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane turned the game on its head in the space of just 30 minutes. The Bundesliga even ranked the comeback among the ten greatest fightbacks in the league's history.

Strong Home Record Against Bayern in Recent Years

The defeat in April was Mainz's first Bundesliga home loss to the record champions since October 2023. Overall, the 05ER have enjoyed an impressive home record against Bayern in recent years, winning four of their meetings across the last six seasons. No other Bundesliga side has recorded as many home victories against Bayern during that period. Current Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert also enjoyed a memorable victory over Bayern at the MEWA ARENA during his playing days, even getting on the scoresheet in a 3-2 win in November 2011.

Pace to Burn on Both Sides

Saturday's clash will feature the Bundesliga's two fastest players this season, with Mainz's Sheraldo Becker clocking a top speed of 36.58 km/h and Bayern winger Alphonso Davies reaching 36.7 km/h.

A Run of Poor Results

Mainz suffered their first away defeat since February at Elversberg, marking the first time they have lost two consecutive Bundesliga matches under head coach Urs Fischer. The 05ER also came away empty-handed from their midweek DFB-Pokal clash in Bochum.

Still Unbeaten

While Mainz have already suffered four defeats this season against Frankfurt, Leverkusen, Bremen and Elversberg, Bayern remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga. The Bavarians have recorded five wins and three draws so far, most recently playing out a 2-2 draw against Borussia Dortmund.

Defensive Reshuffle

Mainz will have to make changes to their defence, which has struggled in recent matches, ahead of the clash with Bayern. Stefan Posch was sent off for a second yellow card shortly before the final whistle in Elversberg, while Phillipp Mwene will serve a suspension for accumulating yellow cards, making him the first and so far only player in the Bundesliga to receive such a ban this season.

Leading the Way

Pass completion, possession, shots on goal – Bayern lead the Bundesliga in numerous statistical categories. Vincent Kompany's side have also covered more ground than any other team in the league so far this season, clocking up an impressive 996.8 kilometres.

Record Appearances

Mainz stalwart Stefan Bell has already faced Bayern Munich 18 times during his career. On the Bayern side, Thomas Müller, who now plays for Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer, made an impressive 32 appearances against Mainz during his time with the Bavarians.

Connections Between Mainz and Bayern

Several players and coaches have represented both Mainz 05 and Bayern Munich. Jan Kirchhoff, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Emil Kostadinov, Armindo Sieb and Gabriel Vidovic have all worn the shirts of both clubs. Thomas Tuchel has managed both Mainz and Bayern, while Zsolt Löw played for Mainz before working as Tuchel's assistant coach at Bayern.

Ballon d'Or Winner

Bayern arrive in Mainz with the reigning Ballon d'Or winner in their ranks. Harry Kane, the 33-year-old world-class striker, was recently named the world's best footballer by French magazine France Football. Kane has scored "just" four Bundesliga goals so far this season, but his overall record at Bayern is nothing short of remarkable. The England international has netted an incredible 156 goals in 160 appearances for the Bavarians.

Match Officials

Robert Schröder will referee Saturday's match, assisted by Dr. Jan-Clemens Neitzel-Petersen and Stefan Lupp on the touchlines. Tobias Reichel will serve as the fourth official, while Johann Pfeifer and his assistant Patrick Alt will oversee VAR duties.