Win tonic for ‘worst’ game, says Kimmich – but Henrichs injury ‘looks bad’

Joshua Kimmich praised Bayern Munich’s response to their first league defeat of the season but admitted their mood was “clouded” by an injury to opposition player Benjamin Henrichs during their 5-1 win over RB Leipzig on Friday.

Having lost 2-1 at seventh-placed Mainz six days earlier, Bayern thrashed fourth-placed Leipzig 5-1 at home in the Bundesliga on Friday with the help of a sensational Kimmich strike from distance to put them 3-0 ahead at half-time.

Leipzig’s misery was compounded when right-back Henrichs – one of Kimmich’s Germany team-mates – was stretchered off late in the game with an apparent leg injury.

💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/H1b3EDfVTU

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024

Henrichs injury: Players ‘don’t know what is wrong’

“The players felt that the game in Mainz was our worst performance of the season in every respect,” Kimmich told DAZN after his side moved seven points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.

“We hardly had any chances to score, which was very different from today. It was very, very important for us to show such a reaction and we can go home happy, although the mood is a little bit clouded [because] we don’t know what is wrong with Benny. We hope it is not as bad as it looks.”

Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane made his return from injury and had a part in Jamal Musiala’s first-minute opener with a pass to Michael Olise, who set up the Germany international for his fourth goal in four games from close range.

Category is: 𝘽𝘼𝙔𝙀𝙍𝙉 𝙋𝙄𝘾𝙎 𝙏𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝙂𝙊 𝙃𝘼𝙍𝘿 ‼️ pic.twitter.com/6dmalfZYkZ

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024

Leipzig had been behind for under 60 seconds when Lois Openda surged into space and crossed for Benjamin Sesko to slot in.

The equaliser marked the first time in German top-flight history that two teams have scored in the first two minutes of a match.

Former Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer completed a one-two with Olise before volleying Bayern back in front after 25 minutes and, after Kimmich struck in memorable fashion, Leroy Sane and Alphonso Davies increased the hosts’ lead late on.

🎯 @HKane #FCBayern #MiaSanMia #FCBRBL pic.twitter.com/KJX39MSosG

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024

Bayern vs Leipzig: Kimmich goal

Captain Kimmich ended his wait of more than a year for a league goal. “We started really well and conceded the equaliser straight away, but you could tell from the start that we really wanted to win the game and we did it in a dominant manner,” he said.

“Jamal freed me up, generally. Leipzig always defended in a 5-3-2 formation, so I had a bit of space. I always say that I am free and he can find me if he likes.

“I am always teased for my shooting because in training it is quite decent but, in a game, it has never worked out like that. Luckily, today it went in.”