Joshua Kimmich praised Bayern Munich’s response to their first league defeat of the season, but admitted the mood was “tarnished” by an injury to opposing player Benjamin Henrichs in Friday’s 5-1 win over RB Leipzig.
After losing 2-1 at seventh-placed Mainz six days earlier, Bayern defeated fourth-placed Leipzig 5-1 at home in the Bundesliga on Friday. Thanks to a sensational long-range shot from Kimmich, they took a 3-0 lead at half-time. Time.
Leipzig’s misery was made worse when right-back Henrichs – one of Kimmich’s German teammates – had to be carried off the pitch late in the game with an apparent leg injury.
💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/H1b3EDfVTU
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024
Henrich’s injury: players “don’t know what’s going on”
“The players felt that the game in Mainz was our worst performance of the season in every respect,” Kimmich told DAZN after his team moved seven points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
“We hardly had any chances to score, which was completely different to today. It was very, very important for us to show a reaction like that and we can go home happy, even if the mood is a bit clouded (because) we don’t know what’s going on with Benny. We hope it’s not as bad as it looks.”
The Bundesliga’s top scorer, Harry Kane, returned from injury and was involved in Jamal Musiala’s first goal with a pass to Michael Olise in the first minute, setting up the Germany international for his fourth goal in four games from close range.
Category is: 𝘽𝘼𝙔𝙀𝙍𝙉 𝙋𝙄𝘾𝙎 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝙂𝙊 𝙃𝘼𝙍𝘿 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/6dmalfZYkZ
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024
Leipzig were less than 60 seconds behind when Lois Openda pushed into space and crossed to Benjamin Sesko, who slotted the ball in.
The equalizer was the first time in German first division history that two teams scored in the first two minutes of a game.
Former Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer completed a one-two with Olise before volleying Bayern back in front after 25 minutes. After a memorable goal from Kimmich, Leroy Sane and Alphonso Davies extended the hosts’ lead in the final phase.
🎯 @HKane #FCBayern #We are who we are #FCBRBL pic.twitter.com/KJX39MSosG
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024
Bayern vs Leipzig: Kimmich goal
Captain Kimmich ended his wait of more than a year for a league goal. “We started very well and immediately conceded the equalizer, but you could tell from the start that we really wanted to win the game and we did that dominantly,” he said.
“Jamal generally freed me up. Leipzig always defended in a 5-3-2 formation, so I had some space. I always say that I am free and he can find me if he wants.
“I always get teased about my shots because they’re pretty decent in training, but it’s never worked out like that in a game. Luckily it went in today.”
