Not only did 1. FSV Mainz 05 lose a Bundesliga away game for the first time since March but the 4-3 defeat at VfL Wolfsburg was a particularly tough one to take. FSV gained the lead three times in an entertaining, high-intensity encounter with the visitors performing well for extended periods. The away side netted in both the first and second halves, with Paul Nebel at the double and Jonny Burkardt bagging his 33rd Bundesliga goal for Mainz 05, equalling Karim Onisiwo’s top-flight record. VfL had a response for each goal, however, before going one better in stoppage time. The 05ers ultimately found themselves on the wrong end of a blockbuster contest, leaving them ninth and on 19 points after 13 games.
“We are on a good run right now and I know that we can win this game,” emphasised 05ers head coach Bo Henriksen ahead of kick-off. The Danish coach saw no reason to alter his starting XI, naming the same line-up for the fourth match in a row after success in recent weeks. However, he was forced into making his first substitution with just over a minute played. Danny da Costa, who had been so impressive of late, went down holding his groin following his first sprint and had to come off shortly afterwards. Andreas Hanche-Olsen took over on the right of the back three. Despite that early setback, the 05ers shook themselves off and propelled themselves into action, taking the game to Wolfsburg, who have also been in good form. Phillipp Mwene’s header from Anthony Caci’s cross set the tone for the visiting team. A minute later, Nebel made sure that his side’s good start was reflected on the score line. Kaishu Sano turned the ball over impressively before Jae-sung Lee found the young attacker in the penalty area. Kamil Grabara was powerless to prevent the shot from finding the bottom left-hand corner (11’). The deserved opening goal gave an already confident Mainz team an extra dose of self-belief. The 05ers were controlling both the ball and their opponents, patient in the build-up play and dangerous up front. Burkardt then had a great chance but failed to connect properly from close range after Nebel’s cross (16’).
The hosts lacked real impetus until the 20th minute but equalised out of the blue with their first attempt on target. Tiago Tomás was able to get the better of Caci a little too easily in the penalty area, and his deflected cross found Mohammed Amoura, who had no trouble slotting home from around six yards (19’). That really sparked the match into life and it remained hotly-contested throughout. FSV nevertheless retained the upper hand and created the next dangerous opportunity, winning a free-kick which Nadiem Amiri placed just wide from around 24 yards out (28’). The 05ers kept up the pressure and were rewarded when they went ahead once again. Following Caci’s cross and Stefan Bell’s headed knock-down, it was Burkardt who was on hand to push the ball over the line with his chest (38’). Hanche-Olsen was adjudged to have won the ball firmly but fairly in the build-up. The tenth goal of the season for Mainz’s top scorer was also a historic one – his 33rd in the German top-flight. With that, Mainz’s home-grown talent drew level with Karim Onisiwo as the club’s all-time record Bundesliga goalscorer. Mainz held onto a deserved 2-1 lead until the break as they looked to continue their good form.
Wolfsburg land killer blow in injury time
The 05ers ran out for the second half unchanged. FSV had the better of the first few minutes once again. They controlled the game and had put VfL under considerable pressure. It was the Wolves who had the first two chances of the second half, however, as Kilian Fischer and former 05er Ridle Baku both had efforts on goal (52’). This reawakened the hosts, who improved and then equalised for the second time. Amoura was allowed past Dominik Kohr and Mwene far too easily on the right flank. His cross then found Tomás, whose shot was unfortunately turned into his own net by Hanche-Olsen to make it 2-2 (57’). Nonetheless, as they had done in the first 45 minutes, the 05ers switched up a gear once again to take the lead for the third time. Amiri sent Burkardt on his way, before the striker’s lob was cleared off the line by Grabara. The Mainz attacker remained alert, though, laying the ball back to Nebel, who only had to slot home for his brace (66’).
It was clear that Mainz did not want to concede a third equalising goal as their head coach willed them on from the touchline. The visitors were relentless in their running, attacking intent, strength of challenges, confidence on the ball and goal threat. Caci missed a great chance to settle the contest but the Frenchman failed to find a way through Grabara’s legs from close range. The VfL goalkeeper won that particular battle to keep his side in it (79’). Although Wolfsburg may not have created as much as the away team, the hosts’ efficiency in front of goal was telling in the end. There was a great deal of fortune involved once again when they next found the back of the net. Jonas Wind benefitted from a misunderstanding between Bell and Hanche-Olsen in the Mainz penalty area (83’). The Norwegian was then brought off for Maxim Leitsch after he had come on as an early substitute. That third goal seemed to trigger a more disheartened reaction in comparison to that which the previous strikes did. VfL turned up the heat and had several set-piece opportunities in the final minutes of the game. Jonas Wind capitalised on a free-kick taken by Maximilian Arnold in stoppage time to bag the winning goal for Wolfsburg at the end of a thoroughly entertaining and captivating affair (90+4’).
Wolfsburg land killer blow in injury time
The 05ers ran out for the second half unchanged. FSV had the better of the first few minutes once again. They controlled the game and had put VfL under considerable pressure. It was the Wolves who had the first two chances of the second half, however, as Kilian Fischer and former 05er Ridle Baku both had efforts on goal (52’). This reawakened the hosts, who improved and then equalised for the second time. Amoura was allowed past Dominik Kohr and Mwene far too easily on the right flank. His cross then found Tomás, whose shot was unfortunately turned into his own net by Hanche-Olsen to make it 2-2 (57’). Nonetheless, as they had done in the first 45 minutes, the 05ers switched up a gear once again to take the lead for the third time. Amiri sent Burkardt on his way, before the striker’s lob was cleared off the line by Grabara. The Mainz attacker remained alert, though, laying the ball back to Nebel, who only had to slot home for his brace (66’).
It was clear that Mainz did not want to concede a third equalising goal as their head coach willed them on from the touchline. The visitors were relentless in their running, attacking intent, strength of challenges, confidence on the ball and goal threat. Caci missed a great chance to settle the contest but the Frenchman failed to find a way through Grabara’s legs from close range. The VfL goalkeeper won that particular battle to keep his side in it (79’). Although Wolfsburg may not have created as much as the away team, the hosts’ efficiency in front of goal was telling in the end. There was a great deal of fortune involved once again when they next found the back of the net. Jonas Wind benefitted from a misunderstanding between Bell and Hanche-Olsen in the Mainz penalty area (83’). The Norwegian was then brought off for Maxim Leitsch after he had come on as an early substitute. That third goal seemed to trigger a more disheartened reaction in comparison to that which the previous strikes did. VfL turned up the heat and had several set-piece opportunities in the final minutes of the game. Jonas Wind capitalised on a free-kick taken by Maximilian Arnold in stoppage time to bag the winning goal for Wolfsburg at the end of a thoroughly entertaining and captivating affair (90+4’).