Lee Jae-sung has put on the performance of his career, leading Mainz 05 to victory over the formidable Bayern Munich during the Bundesliga match on December 14, 2024. The match, held at the MEWA Arena, ended with Mainz handling Bayern their first defeat of the season with a 2-1 scoreline.
Playing as the second striker beneath Jonathan Burkhardt, Lee showcased his remarkable skill by scoring two goals, one at the 41st minute of the first half and the other shortly after the 60-minute mark. The first goal came after Bayern’s defender Kim Min-jae mishandled the ball. Lee pounced on the chance as Armin Jaip’s shot deflected off Michael Olise, allowing Lee to swiftly finish with his left foot, giving Mainz the lead.
Lee’s second goal displayed his exceptional technique. Jaip delivered a low cross from the right side, which Lee controlled beautifully with his right foot. Without missing a beat, he turned and struck the shot with his left foot, sending the ball past Bayern's goalkeeper. This goal not only solidified Mainz’s lead but also exemplified Lee’s ability to perform under pressure.
Bayern Munich's Leroy Sané added late drama with a goal of his own at the 82nd minute, but it was not enough to undo the damage done by Lee's pair of strikes. Sané's goal only served as a consolation as the match concluded with Mainz triumphing over the previously undefeated giants.
For Lee, this stands out as his first multi-goal performance since May of the previous year against Borussia Dortmund. His recent form has been nothing short of impressive, as he now boasts five consecutive matches contributing to his team with four goals and two assists this season. With this performance, Lee accumulated five goals and two assists, putting him among the league’s top players.
Local media have praised Lee's performance, with Bavarian Football naming him the Man of the Match (MOM). They remarked, "Lee Jae-sung showed remarkable composure and technique during decisive moments of the match. His ability to finish both goals was exceptional." This praise is well-deserved, considering he effectively became the centerpiece of Mainz’s attack.
On reviewing the match, Bayern's Joshua Kimmich acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. He stated, "We were not efficient enough, and Mainz utilized their chances effectively," reflecting on the loss. His candid remarks point to the stark difference between the two teams, with Mainz maintaining strong physical play and taking advantage of every opportunity.
The win is significant for Mainz, as it elevates them to sixth place on the Bundesliga table with 22 points, now only four points behind second-placed Bayer Leverkusen. After this victory over Bayern, the mood among Mainz fans was jubilant, and the team will look to carry this momentum forward.
This match not only featured prominent players from South Korea but also marked the first true showdown, dubbed the 'Korean Derby,' between Lee Jae-sung and Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich. Both players performed significantly, with Lee’s performance overshadowing Kim’s, who received lower ratings after the match.
Kim played the full match but could not prevent his team from falling short; instead, he gathered criticism for some of his defending during the two goals conceded. Despite showing glimpses of potential, team dynamics and recent injuries for Bayern hinted at gaps left exploitable by Mainz's aggressive strategy.
Looking forward, Bayern must regroup swiftly as they prepare for their next match, facing RB Leipzig at home. Coach Vincent Kompany emphasized there can be no excuses and there is certainly pressure to recover quickly, noting, "Big clubs respond to moments like these, and we need to focus on the next game." There’s no doubt the defeat will weigh heavily, but for Lee Jae-sung, it's time to bask in the glory of his remarkable performance.
