FC Bayern has continued its winning streak in the Bundesliga. The German record champions defeated 1. FSV Mainz 05 2-1 on Saturday afternoon and will head into the international break as the league leaders. After the final whistle, Aleksandar Pavlovic expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but had strong words for Mainz’s style of play.
The Munich side controlled the match for long stretches and held a comfortable two-goal lead for much of the game. It wasn’t until stoppage time that the hosts managed to pull one back. By that point, however, the away victory was no longer truly in jeopardy.
Nevertheless, the task for Bayern was anything but easy. After all, the record champions had lost four of their previous six Bundesliga away games in Mainz. This time, Aaron Danks’s team held their own physically and didn’t let Mainz’s aggressive style of play throw them off their game.
“Mainz just plays nasty soccer.”
After the final whistle, Pavlovic explained why the Munich team had to work hard for the win despite their dominance on the field. “Mainz just plays nasty soccer. They play long balls and go after the second balls. That doesn’t make it easy. We held our own well and deserved to win in the end,” said the German national team player.
The numerous tackles and long balls, in particular, had taken a toll on Bayern. This made the midfielder all the more pleased with his team’s response.
For Pavlovic, the victory was also a testament to the special camaraderie within the team.
“We try to play for the coach and for the players who aren’t here right now. That’s what ‘Mia san Mia’ is all about,” emphasized the 22-year-old.
Bayern had recently had to cope with numerous injury-related absences. In addition, head coach Vincent Kompany was still absent from the sidelines for health reasons.
Despite these difficult circumstances, the Munich team earned important points and maintained their top position in the Bundesliga.
“It feels good to go into the international break as league leaders. This win feels even better than a normal win because it’s so tough here. We’ll keep going!” Pavlovic explained.
Pavlovic backs Lennart Karl
Another winner of the afternoon was Lennart Karl. The 18-year-old scored one of Bayern’s two goals, confirming his improving form.
Earlier in the week, the talented forward had already found the back of the net in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid. After a difficult few weeks and public criticism, Karl seems to be increasingly finding his way back to his former strength.
Pavlovic, however, seemed largely unfazed by the discussions surrounding his young teammate. “As a professional soccer player, you have to be able to handle that. I don’t think he’s really bothered by it—he just does his thing and wants to play soccer,” the midfielder explained.
In any case, Karl has provided a sporting response to the criticism with his recent performances. In addition to his important goals, the youngster was also delighted to be named to the German national team.
Bayern now faces the final international break of the year. Afterward, Bundesliga action resumes with a match against 1. FC Köln.
Pavlovic will join the German national team during the break. There, the squad led by head coach Jürgen Klopp will face Serbia and the Netherlands in Nations League matches.