Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund stay level on points after narrow wins; Leipzig beats Augsburg

Joshua Kimmich scored Bayern Munich’s opening goal in its 2-1 victory over Mainz on Saturday. | Photo Credit: AP

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund remained level on points at the top of the Bundesliga standings after registering narrow 2-1 victories over Mainz and Elversberg, respectively on Saturday.

The two sides, which played out a 2-2 draw last weekend, have 21 points each from nine matches, with defending champion Bayern retaining the top spot on goal difference.

Harry Kane provided assists for both Bayern goals as Joshua Kimmich opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Lennart Karl doubled the advantage after the interval.

Mainz pulled one back through Phillip Tietz in stoppage time, but the late goal was not enough to prevent Bayern from securing all three points.

Kane, who has not scored in three matches since winning the Ballon d’Or in October, continued to contribute creatively, taking his tally to 10 assists alongside 10 goals across all competitions this season.

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Bayern midfielder Kimmich, who recently returned from bereavement leave following his father’s death, was visibly emotional after scoring.

The victory came despite Bayern’s injury concerns, with Jamal Musiala, Luis Diaz and Serge Gnabry among those unavailable. Coach Vincent Kompany was also absent through illness.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer became Bayern’s oldest-ever player at 40 years and 225 days but was forced off before half-time with a foot injury.

Nmecha double keeps Dortmund level

Borussia Dortmund maintained its unbeaten start to the Bundesliga campaign after Felix Nmecha scored twice in the second half to secure a 2-1 home victory against Elversberg.

Nmecha broke the deadlock in the 55th minute before doubling the lead in the 71st, with both goals coming from outside the penalty area.

Noel Futkeu reduced the deficit for Elversberg nine minutes from time, but Dortmund held on for its sixth league victory of the season.

The host was without injured striker Serhou Guirassy, while Carney Chukwuemeka was also forced off during the opening half.

Elsewhere, RB Leipzig recovered from conceding in the opening minute to defeat Augsburg 5-2 and remain three points behind the leading pair.

Ezechiel Banzuzi, Christopher Nkunku, David Raum, Romulo and Christoph Baumgartner scored for Leipzig, which maintained its perfect home record in the Bundesliga this season.

Eintracht Frankfurt, meanwhile, drew 2-2 against promoted Paderborn, with Jonathan Burkardt scoring both goals for the visitors.