Joshua Kimmich praised Bayern Munich's response after their first league defeat of the season, but admitted their mood was “cloudy” due to an injury to opposition player Benjamin Henriques during their 5-1 win over RB Leipzig on Friday.
After losing 2-1 to seventh-placed Mainz six days ago, Bayern thrashed fourth-placed Leipzig 5-1 at home in the Bundesliga on Friday with the help of Kimmich's stunning long-range strike to give them a 3-0 lead at half-time. time.
Leipzig's suffering worsened when right-back Henriques – one of Kimmich's teammates in the German national team – suffered a leg injury late in the match.
💪💪💪 pic.twitter.com/H1b3EDfVTU
– Bayern Munich (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024
Henriques injury: Players 'don't know what's wrong'
“The players felt that the match in Mainz was our worst performance of the season in all respects,” Kimmich told DAZN after his team moved seven points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
We didn't have any scoring chances, which is completely different from today. It was very important for us to show that reaction and we could go home happy, even though the mood was a bit cloudy (because) we don't know what's wrong with Benny. “We hope it's not as bad as it seems.”
Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane returned from injury and was involved in Jamal Musiala's opener in the first minute with a pass to Michael Olise, who set up the German international for his fourth goal in four matches from close range.
The category is: pic.twitter.com/6dmalfZYkZ
– Bayern Munich (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024
Leipzig were trailing for less than 60 seconds when Luis Obinda raced into space and crossed for Benjamin Sisko to slot home.
The equalizer was the first time in Bundesliga history that two teams had scored in the first two minutes of a match.
Former Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer completed an exchange with Olise before putting Bayern back in front after 25 minutes, and after Kimmich scored in memorable fashion, Leroy Sane and Alphonso Davies extended the home side's lead late on.
🎯 @HKane #FCBayern #miyasanmia #FCBRBL pic.twitter.com/KJX39MSosG
– Bayern Munich (@FCBayern) December 20, 2024
Bayern vs Leipzig: Kimmich's goal
Captain Kimmich ended his wait, which lasted more than a year, to score a goal in the league. “We started really well and conceded the equalizer straight away, but you could tell from the start that we really wanted to win the game and we did it in a dominant way,” he said.
“Jamal generally released me. Leipzig always defends 5-3-2, so I had a little space. I always say I'm free and he can find me if he wants.
“I always feel bad about my shooting because in training it's quite decent, but in any match, it's never been like that before. Fortunately, I came in today.”
