Bayern Held at Home by Last-Place Mainz in Statistical Shock

A last-minute Harry Kane penalty saved Bayern Munich from a shocking home defeat against the Bundesliga's bottom team, Mainz, on Sunday. The 1-1 result is a statistical anomaly. Mainz set an unwanted record, managing only 15% possession—the lowest ever recorded in the German top flight. They also completed fewer than 60% of their passes. Despite this, Mainz defended heroically in new coach Urs Fischer's first game. Bayern's expected goals (xG)—a measure of scoring chance quality—was a dominant 4.72 compared to Mainz's 1.07. The draw makes Mainz the first last-placed team to take a point at Bayern's stadium since 2006. They will still enter the new year at the bottom of the table, but with a memorable performance.