体坛英语新闻：Bayern reap late 2-1 win at Mainz in German Bundesliga

BERLIN, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich secured a late 2-1 victory over Mainz thanks to the winner by Arjen Robben at the curtain raiser of the 17th round in Bundesliga on Friday.

Josep Guardiola's men came from behind against courageous Mainz to earn their 14th victory from 17 matches thanks to Arjen Robben's late decider in the dying minutes of the game.

Mainz staged a hard fight over 90 minutes but failed to earn a deserved draw against the German giants, who had to stretch to the limit.

From the kick-off the spectators at the outsold Coface-Arena witnessed a fast pace encounter, as both sides implemented an offensively minded strategy. However, the Bavarians failed to gain a foothold into the match whereas Mainz needed no settling-in period.

The hosts shocked Bayern through Pablo de Blasis, who headed home a cross at the 4th minute. However, the referee denied the goal due to an offside position by the midfielder.

Bayern worked out their first noteworthy chance at the 19th minutes as Arjen Robben controlled a long diagonal cross to overcome goalkeeper Loris Karius from very close range. Nevertheless, Robben's goal was also called offside.

Mainz continued their resilient performance to shock the visitors from Munich with the opener at 21st minute. Shinji Okazaki assisted Elkin Soto with a square pass into the box, where the Colombian international nutmegged Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at the far post.

Bayern responded just two minutes later through Bastian Schweinsteiger, who scored his first goal of the season with a direct free kick goal from 20 meters into the top left corner to restore parity.

After the break Mainz had the golden chance to grab the lead for the second time but Yunus Malli failed to make it 2-1 with just Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer to beat.

Bayern punished Mainz laxness in front of the goal as Arjen Robben tapped in a flicked on cross at the far post to snatch a hard earned 2-1 victory on the road.

With the victory Bayern extend their point advantage atop the standings to 14 points for the moment. Meanwhile Mainz suffered their 5th loss of the season to remain on the 11th place.

The following fixtures are scheduled for Saturday: Schalke host Hamburg, Leverkusen face Frankfurt, Augsburg meet third placed Monchengladbach, Bremen entertain relegation threatened Dortmund, Stuttgart encounter newly promoted Paderborn and runner-up Wolfsburg clash newly promoted Cologne.