Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05) shone brightly as he scored two goals, leading his team to defeat Bayern Munich 2-1 during their Bundesliga encounter on the evening of December 14 at MEWA Arena in Mainz. This match marked Bayern's first defeat of the season, halting their unbeaten streak.
The victory propelled Mainz to sixth place, accumulating 22 points from six wins, four draws, and four losses. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, retains its first position with 33 points, having registered ten wins, three draws, and one loss.
Lee Jae-sung’s performance was exceptional, having started as a second striker and played the full match. His first goal came late in the first half, precisely at the 41st minute. After Moryts Ients's shot deflected off Bayern’s Michael Olise, the ball fell perfectly at Lee's feet, allowing him to calmly score his first goal.
He followed up by adding his second goal just ten minutes after the break. Receiving a low cross from the right by Armin Zepp, Lee smartly evaded defenders with one touch before firing home, showcasing his quick thinking and sharp instincts.
Although Leroy Sane pulled one back for Bayern Munich in the 43rd minute, Mainz defended resolutely and held on for the win, overcoming the Bundesliga's most formidable team of the season.
Lee Jae-sung recorded notable statistics, successfully completing 20 passes with 67% accuracy and contributing significantly to the defensive effort with three clearances, six interceptions, and eight recoveries. He won two out of eleven duels, reinforcing his all-round performance on the pitch.
The match also featured Kim Min-jae, who played the full ninety minutes for Bayern. His game statistics included 118 touches and 86 completed passes (88% accuracy), alongside two successful long passes and contributions to defense with six clearances and two interceptions.
This match has been significant for Lee, as he now has five goals and three assists this season, including one previous cup contribution. His scoring streak now extends to five consecutive matches, reflecting his current form. Lee's scoring began with the tenth match against Borussia Dortmund and continued with two goals against Holstein Kiel, one assist against Hoffenheim, and another assist last week against VfL Wolfsburg.
During the match, Kim Min-jae's performance, albeit strong defensively, was marked by conceding Lee's two goals, contributing to Bayern's unexpected loss. Both teams featured three South Koreans, including Hong Hyun-seok, who came on as a substitute, creating a rare sight of all Korean players on the field at the same time.
Post-match, Lee expressed his thoughts on scoring against Bayern, stating, "It’s not easy to score against them. I just tried to stay calm and take my chances." His efficient finishing and ability to seize opportunities earned him the 'Player of the Match' award, highlighting his impact throughout the game.
The soccer statistics site FootMob gave him an outstanding rating of 9.1, indicating he was the best player on the field, whereas Kim received the lowest rating at 5.8 for contributing to the goals conceded.
Lee's goals not only changed the game's momentum but also demonstrated his knack for clutch performances when most needed. His development and form are promising for Mainz as they look forward to building on this result.
Following the match, Lee Jae-sung has set the stage for more exciting performances, reflecting the tenacity and skill he brings to each game, reassuring fans and teammates alike of his valuable presence on the team. His next challenges lie on the horizon as Mainz continues the Bundesliga season.
