Top vs. bottom: Why the clash with Mainz won't be a walk in the park

Bayern will play in front of their own fans at the Allianz Arena for the last time this year on Sunday. In the clash with bottom side 1. FSV Mainz 05, the situation for the league leaders from Munich seems clear, especially as they have an incredible run to defend. Since a 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in November 1987, FCB have not been beaten in their last Bundesliga home game of the year. The stats during this period show the German record champions have won 30 games and drawn seven. In the past 12 seasons, they've won every one of their last Bundesliga home games of the year. Find out why Vincent Kompany's side's last appearance at home before Christmas will not be a formality in the facts and stats for the clash with the Zerofivers.

FCB in a different dimension

Given Bayern's current form, we'd be quite happy for the 2025 Bundesliga year to last a little longer. Vincent Kompany's side have picked up a total of 37 points from their first 13 Bundesliga games - a record that equals the previous one set by the Munich men themselves in 2015/16. Harry Kane and Co are actually undefeated in 22 league games stretching back to last season (W18, D14). FCB have managed a long run like this just once before in this millennium: from 2012 to 2014, they went 53 consecutive matches without defeat.

Bayern's attack on the brink of a new record

The Munich attack have set an all-time record: Michael Olise and his teammates have scored at least two goals in 21 consecutive Bundesliga matches - something not previously achieved by any team. The Reds' 49 goals in 13 league games are also a record. FCB could now smash the 50-goal mark for the season on Matchday 14 - no club has ever managed to do that so early in the season.

Matchday 14? That reminds us...!

FC Bayern fans shouldn't let superstition cloud their judgement ahead of the encounter with the Zerofivers. The two teams met in Mainz exactly one year ago to the day before Sunday's match - on Matchday 14, the Munich men suffered their first league defeat of the season (2-1). It was one of only two games the German record champions have lost in 47 Bundesliga matches under Vincent Kompany.

New start for Mainz under Urs Fischer

Of course, Bayern will do everything in their power to ensure Mainz don't become their first stumbling block again this year. Preparing for Sunday's clash won't be easy anyway, as the change of coach from Bo Henriksen to Urs Fischer has made the Zerofivers pretty much unpredictable. After Mainz's weakest period in the Bundesliga (six points after 13 games, as in 2020/21) and a recent run of nine league games without a win (D2, L7), it's hoped the Swiss coach will lead FSV back to winning ways. However, the end to his tenure at his previous side 1. FC Union Berlin was disappointing, as he lost all nine league games before parting ways with the club.

Mainz with problems up front

Mainz lack penetration in attack. Alongside FC St. Pauli, they have the weakest front line in the Bundesliga, having recorded just 11 goals and the fewest shots on target in the league (34). However, there's also been a bit of bad luck involved: alongside Bayern, FSV have hit the post or crossbar the most times in the league (seven times each). But there's also a problem at the other end of the pitch: Mainz haven't kept a clean sheet in 24 Bundesliga games - a club record and currently the worst record in the league.

Great run at home against Mainz

And there's another encouraging sign pointing to a successful end to the year at the Allianz Arena. FC Bayern have won all of their last eight home games against Mainz 05 in the league. Among the current Bundesliga teams, Hamburger SV are the only side the record champions have recorded a longer unbeaten run against at their own stadium (ten games).

We've taken a closer look at our upcoming opponents: