Mainz 1 Bayern Munich 2: Thiago strike gets champions off the hook

Thiago Alcantara got the winner as Bayern Munich continued to ease the pressure on coach Niko Kovac with a 2-1 Bundesliga win at Mainz on Saturday.

Leon Goretzka s volley put the visitors ahead after a sustained period of attacking pressure but Bayern s defensive frailties were exposed by a fast Mainz break and a Jean-Paul Boetius goal just after half-time.

A draw would have been a disappointing result for Kovac s men, who went into the game trailing league leaders Borussia Dortmund by four points, but Thiago s first league goal of the season helped them to a third successive win in all competitions.

Defeat leaves Mainz winless in six and head coach Sandro Schwarz must stop the rot if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Team goal

— FC Baye…