FSV extend the winning streak

Three goals meant three more points against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday night, as a 3-1 win saw 1. FSV Mainz 05 move up to third in the table at the start of Bundesliga matchday 25. Paul Nebel, Dominik Kohr and Nadiem Amiri all found the net as the 05ers ensured that a goal back from Stefan Lainer did little to halt them on their path to a 13th league victory of the campaign in front of a packed-out away end. Another impressive performance from FSV helped solidify their position in the upper reaches of the table.

Bo Henriksen opted to make a singular change to his line-up that started the win away to Leipzig last time out. Andreas Hanche-Olsen made way for the returning Dominik Kohr, who was once again available for selection after serving a suspension. The Norwegian defender therefore took up a place on the bench, while there was no place in the squad on this occasion for January signing Arnaud Nordin.

Clinical 05ers take their chance when it eventually arrives

The opening quarter of an hour was characterised by some disciplined defensive work on both sides, with neither team taking any risks in the early stages. As a result, the first chance of the game for either outfit arrived on 18 minutes and saw Paul Nebel flash a shot half a yard past the post from 20 yards out. The visitors looked to turn up the heat and strung a nice move together when Anthony Caci and Nebel linked up on the right flank before the academy product played in Phillipp Mwene. The Austrian took the ball in his stride but his attempt was ultimately blocked by Philipp Sander (20’). The Foals’ defensive midfielder was then involved in the hosts’ first opportunity just five minutes after that, when Tim Kleindienst headed his cross towards goal, only to be touched onto the bar by Robin Zentner before Kohr cleared the danger (26’). 

The game had been ignited and was now more open with Gladbach again looking threatening when their top scorer Kleindienst placed a shot wide of the target following set-up play by ex-05er Kevin Stöger (31’). Things were not quite clicking for FSV during this period, losing out on the majority of the tackles and second balls. Burkardt did try his luck from the edge of the box on 36 minutes but the Germany international saw his effort easily gathered by Omlin. Mainz were rewarded for their patience soon afterwards, however. With just 10 minutes to go until half-time, the next attack from the away side bore fruit and the captain played a key role as per usual. Kaishu Sano found the captain in the middle of the park and he played the ball wide left to Jae-sung Lee. The South Korean delivered a low cross that was met with just enough ferocity on the run by Nebel to finish for 1-0 (39’). That goal just before the break saw Mainz head into the locker rooms with a narrow lead after what could be described as an efficient first-half display.

Kohr ensures perfect start before Amiri puts any nerves to rest

Not only did Mainz emerge unchanged for the second half but they also deployed a very similar attitude just after the restart as they had done to begin the second half against Leipzig a week earlier. Bo Henriksen again worked his magic with his team talk, as the 05ers hit the ground running to give the 2,600 travelling fans reason to cheer for the second time during their night out in Mönchengladbach. Amiri dinked a central free-kick towards the six-yard box where Kohr rose highest to win the header. His initial effort was parried by Omlin but only straight back to the defender who gratefully smashed home with attempt number two to extend the advantage from pretty much on the goal line (49’). Mainz appeared deservedly 2-0 up as they pressed for a third goal, only narrowing missing their opportunities to go three up. Firstly, Lee headed an Amiri corner just over (51’) before Burkardt’s shot from 22 yards zipped past the upright only moments later (52’). Nebel had the best chance to make it 3-0, though, when Amiri once again demonstrated his creative abilities but the homegrown talent’s strike met its match in Omlin who saved with his fingertips just ahead of the hour mark (59’). The visiting keeper was then called into some action of his own as Zentner denied Robin Hack when he suddenly found himself one-on-one with the German stopper, who stood his ground (60’). Henriksen made his first move shortly after that, bringing on Hanche-Olsen for Danny da Costa who had picked up a slight knock. Burkardt’s day’s work was then done eight minutes later after giving it his all, as per, with Nelson Weiper coming on in his place (70’).

Borussia had taken a while to recover from the shock of falling 2-0 behind so early in the second period, but they slowly fought their way back into things and began to find gaps in the Mainz defence with 20 minutes to play. They also received a slice of luck on 73 minutes which helped to halve the deficit. Kleindienst was again prevented from scoring by Zentner following a Hack cross but the keeper’s block with his thigh fell straight to Stefan Lainer, who blasted in from 10 yards to make things interesting once more. The comeback was on and Borussia-Park found a new lease of life. However, Amiri was not having any of it. Just four minutes after the home side grabbed their goal back, FSV’s midfield maestro played a one-two with Lee before unleashing a sizzling strike from 20 yards out that was too hot for Omlin to handle and the two-goal lead was restored (77’). Not only had the 05ers dealt with the hosts truncating their advantage in an impressive manner, but they resolved to see out the remainder of the proceedings as well. The coach acted once more in introducing further fresh legs, with Silvan Widmer, Armindo Sieb and Lennard Maloney all entering the fray and Caci, Lee and Amiri heading in the opposite direction (87’).  The trio all played their part in ensuring a seventh away win of the season was wrapped up, moving Mainz onto 44 points after 25 matchdays.

Ahead of the final international break of the league season, FSV host SC Freiburg next Saturday in a match that will commemorate the club’s 120th anniversary (kick-off 15:30 CET).