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

After losing 2-1 to seventh-placed Mainz six days earlier, Bayern thrashed fourth-placed Leipzig 5-1 at home in the Bundesliga on Friday and a sensational Kimmich strike from distance put them 3-0 up at half-time. time

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

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

Henriques injury: Players ‘don’t know what’s wrong’

“The players felt that the Mainz game was our worst performance of the season in every respect,” Kimmich told DAZN as 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 important for us to have such a reaction and we can go home happy, although the mood is a bit cloudy (because) we don’t know what’s wrong with Benny. We hope it’s not as bad as it looks.”

Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane returned from injury and played his part in Jamal Musiala’s first-minute opener by providing a pass to Michael Olis, who set up the Germany international for his fourth goal in four games from close range.

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

Leipzig were behind less than 60 seconds after Lois Openda broke into space and crossed to slot Benjamin Cesko.

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

Former Leipzig midfielder Konrad Lemmer completed a one-two with Ollis before volleying Bayern ahead after 25 minutes and, after Kimmich struck in memorable fashion, Leroy Sane and Alfonso Davies added to the hosts’ lead late on.

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

Bayern vs Leipzig: Kimmich goals

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

“Jamal freed me, usually. Leipzig always defend in a 5-3-2 formation, so I had some space. I always say I’m free and he can find me if he chooses.

“I’m always teased for my shooting because it’s so good in training but, in the game, it’s never worked like that. Fortunately, he went in today.”