Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben help Bayern Munich reclaim top spot in Bundesliga

New Delhi: Hosts Mainz took struck early against defending champions Bayern Munich as the whole stadium erupted seeing their side take an unlikely lead that too with just 4 minutes in the game.

It was changed 4-2-3-1 formation for Bayern rather than the usual 4-3-3 deployed by Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The fit-again duo of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery started together after a very long time with Thomas Muller starting in a central role behind No. 9 Lewandowski.

Thiago and captain Philipp Lahm started in midfield while Joshua Kimmich, Javi Martinez, Mats Hummel and David Alaba formed the 4-man defensive unit.

Lewandowski struck twice with Arjen Robben between the forward's opening and concluding strike with a rare diving header enabling the German champions to come from a goal down to win 3-1 at Mainz 05, taking themselves back to the top spot in the Bundesliga on Friday.

The Bavarians now have 30 points from 13 games, with goal difference seperating them from promoted RB Leipzig who host Schalke 04 on Saturday.

Polish striker Lewandowski has now scored twice in each of his last four visits to the Mainz stadium, creating a league record.

"We have not played as good as we did in the first half for some time," Dutch winger Robben told reporters as per Reuters. "We should have scored more goals."

Colombian striker Jhon Cordoba opened scoring for the home team, charging past Javi Martinez and drilled an unstoppable low shot past keeper Manuel Neuer.

It didn't take long fo Lewandowski to level the score. He struck after 8 minutes of play with a tidy finish from a fine through ball by Robben.

Thomas Mueller, who is yet to score this season, could have put the visitors ahead but his point-blank effort was nullified by keeper Jonas Loessl's kick.

Mueller turned provider and Robben beat Loessl with a well-timed header to put the champions ahead after 21 minutes of play.

Lewandowski then grabbed his ninth league goal in stoppage time at the end of the game with a spectacular free-kick.

Bayern now have two Bundesliga wins in a row after suffering their first defeat of the season against Borussia Dortmund on Nov. 19. Mainz, meanwhile, remained in ninth place on 17 points.

(With Reuters inputs)