Olise inspires remarkable Bayern comeback after Mainz collapse
Michael Olise came off the bench to inspire an extraordinary Bayern Munich comeback, overturning a three-goal half-time deficit to win 4-3 away at Mainz on Saturday. The newly-crowned Bundesliga champions, who had made eight changes ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, produced a stunning second-half revival to snatch all three points at the Mewa Arena.
According to match reports, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany introduced both Olise and Harry Kane at the start of the second half with his side trailing 3-0. Mainz had dominated the opening period, with goals from Dominik Kohr, Paul Nebel, and Sheraldo Becker capitalising on a disjointed Bayern performance. The hosts had missed several other chances to extend their lead against a Bayern defence that featured debutant Bara Sapoko Ndiaye.
The introduction of Olise changed the complexion of the game entirely. The winger was instrumental in Bayern's first goal, combining with Konrad Laimer to set up Nicolas Jackson for a finish that made it 3-1. Olise then scored a superb individual goal to reduce the deficit further, netting his second goal in as many games following his strike against Real Madrid in midweek.
Olise continued to be the catalyst, with his delivery in the 80th minute leading to a scramble that Jamal Musiala converted to level the scores at 3-3. Just three minutes later, Bayern completed the turnaround. Musiala's cross was parried poorly by Mainz goalkeeper Daniel Batz, presenting Kane with a simple tap-in for the winning goal. The victory marks only the second time in Bayern's history that they have won a Bundesliga match after trailing by three or more goals, the first instance being a 6-5 win over Bochum in 1976.
The result underscores the impact of Olise since his arrival from Crystal Palace last summer. While the exact transfer fee was undisclosed, reports at the time suggested a figure in the region of €60 million. His ability to change games from the bench provides Kompany with a significant weapon, particularly with a crucial European fixture on the horizon. For Mainz, the defeat represents a devastating collapse, squandering a prime opportunity to beat the champions for the fifth time in six meetings at home.
The comeback victory secures three points for Bayern as they prepare for their trip to Paris, maintaining momentum despite the heavily rotated lineup. Olise's performance, featuring a goal and two assists in a single half, will give Kompany a welcome selection headache ahead of the pivotal second leg at the Parc des Princes.
