Bayern Munich extended their lead atop the Bundesliga standings to five points with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St. Pauli on Saturday. Jamal Musiala’s stunning long-range goal proved to be the difference, as Bayern’s title rivals stumbled.
Musiala, who scored the winner in Bayern’s midweek Champions League victory over Benfica, showcased his brilliance once again. Receiving the ball in midfield, he surged forward and unleashed a powerful shot from nearly 30 meters out. The ball bounced off the crossbar and into the net, leaving St. Pauli goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj helpless.
While Bayern secured a narrow win, their major title rivals faced setbacks. Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen were held to a goalless draw at home by Borussia Monchengladbach, their third 0-0 result in the league this season. RB Leipzig also failed to find the back of the net, drawing 0-0 with Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund’s woes continued as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at Mainz. Emre Can’s red card in the first half proved costly, as Mainz capitalized on Dortmund’s defensive frailties. Jonathan Burkardt and Paul Nebel scored for the hosts, while Serhou Guirassy’s penalty proved to be a mere consolation for Dortmund.
Leverkusen’s title defense also hit a roadblock with a 1-1 draw at last-placed Bochum. Patrik Schick gave Leverkusen the lead, but Koji Miyoshi’s late equalizer denied them a crucial victory.
Elsewhere, Werder Bremen secured a 2-1 home win against Holstein Kiel thanks to Oliver Burke’s 89th-minute goal.
