Bayern and Dortmund stay level after Bundesliga wins

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both won on Saturday to remain level on 21 points after nine Bundesliga rounds, with Bayern leading on goal difference. Bayern beat Mainz 2-1, while Dortmund defeated Elversberg 2-1, according to the match account.

At Mainz, Harry Kane set up Joshua Kimmich’s 14th-minute opener before assisting Lennart Karl’s second-half goal. Mainz substitute Phillip Tietz scored in stoppage time, but the hosts could not find an equaliser. The win was Bayern’s third in their past seven Bundesliga matches at Mainz.

Bayern played without coach Vincent Kompany, who was absent while recovering from illness, and several players, including Jamal Musiala, Luis Diaz, Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry. Manuel Neuer, aged 40 years and 225 days, became the oldest player in Bayern’s history when he took the field, but left before halftime with a foot injury.

Kimmich returned the previous week after taking bereavement leave following his father’s death. He said the goal brought the loss to mind and made the moment more emotional than usual. Kane, who assisted both goals, has 10 assists and 10 goals in all competitions this season.

Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha scored twice, both...