Bayern Munich 5-2 Mainz: Player ratings as champions survive early scare

Bayern Munich survived a brief scare to overcome Mainz with a second-half blitz, eventually easing to a 5-2 victory on Sunday evening.

The visitors took a shock lead when Jonathan Burkardt raced clear of Bayern's flailing backline to fire in, with the hosts looking for a whistle that never came. That lead was doubled just before half time by Alexander Hack, whose brilliant header soared past the outstretched arms of Manuel Neuer.

Mainz's lead was cancelled out quickly in the second half by Bayern, with Joshua Kimmich nodding in at the back post following his own great work on the right before Leroy Sane levelled it up with a low curler from the edge of the box.

Any hope of an upset for Mainz was quashed as Bayern scored three more before full time. Niklas Sule slammed home from a corner before Robert Lewandowski got his customary goals, one from the penalty spot and another from Thomas Muller's cross from the right.

Here are your player ratings for the Bundesliga champions.

1. Goalkeepers & Defenders

Manuel Neuer (GK) - 6/10 - Let in two but also made five saves and completed a large amount of his passes. Typically commanding at the back.

Benjamin Pavard (RB) - 4/10 - A bit all over the place. A bad look for him that Bayern improved markedly following his half-time substitution.

Jerome Boateng (CB) - 5/10 - Really shaky in the first half and the performance of Niklas Sule in the second period won't have done his future prospects any good.

David Alaba (CB) - 4/10 - Had a pretty terrible game, his performance even being described as a 'disasterclass' in some corners of social media. Got booked and his head seems like it's elsewhere. Metaphorically, obviously. His head is physically where it should be.

Alphonso Davies (LB) - 7/10 - Always happy whizzing down the left with the ball at his feet and got through three dribbles.

2. Midfielders

Corentin Tolisso (CM) - 7/10 - A decent option alongside the more emphatic Kimmich. Did the grubby defensive work, making seven tackles, while his midfield partner strutted his stuff.

Joshua Kimmich (CM) - 8/10 - Right back, central midfield, blah, whatever, Wherever Kimmich plays, he delivers. Mainz felt the sting of his razor sharp quality as the Germany international scored and assisted one apiece. Did have to move into a more defensive role as Bayern chased the game.

Leroy Sane (RM) - 7/10 - Scored a delicious equaliser, cutting in from the right to curl low into the far corner. Kind of reminiscent of a certain Arjen Robben.

Thomas Muller (AM) - 7/10 - Always buzzing around and bursting into space, as per his 'raumdeuter' role. Set up Lewandowski with a cross from the right.

Serge Gnabry (LM) - 7/10 - Didn't directly contribute to Bayern's win with a goal or an assist, but remained an important part of their counter attacking blitz. Had to be substituted due to injury and may well be doubtful for Bayern's next fixture against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday.

3. Forward

Robert Lewandowski (ST) - 8/10 - A new year but the same old Robert Lewandowski, who notched his 18th and 19th Bundesliga goals of the season with a penalty and sweeping finish respectively. Is now four goals clear of any other goalscorer in Europe's top five leagues.