05ers have to settle for a point at home to Kiel

The 05ers remain unbeaten at home since October 2024, although they were unable to manage more than a draw against promoted side Holstein Kiel. The visitors had the better of the first half, delivering an energetic display and scoring an eye-catching goal to take a lead into the break. The hosts dominated the ball and were denied by the frame of the goal but lacked precision in their play on the whole. Mainz continued to pose ever more of a threat on the Kiel goal, hitting the upright once more before eventually finding the net through substitute Nelson Weiper. No further goals leave FSV on 46 points after 28 matchdays and currently fourth in the Bundesliga standings.

Phillipp Mwene returned to the starting line-up after serving his yellow-card suspension, meaning Silvan Widmer moved to take up a place on the bench.

Mainz hit the post before Kiel take the lead in style

The 05ers took a little while to get a proper feel for both the ball and their opponent, as the side sitting bottom of the standings showed great courage, while FSV failed to discover their calmness in possession. Although they were able to venture forward, this did not lead to notable goalscoring opportunities. At the other end, however, Kiel’s quick transitional play was creating some problems for the hosts. Link-up on the left flank saw Steven Skrzybski in possession in a promising area and his sharp, low cross presented Lasse Rosenboom with a great chance to score, but Robin Zentner demonstrated the full extent of his frame in keeping out the effort on goal at the last second (10’). It took 17 minutes and a set-piece situation for Mainz to register their first real attempt, although Jonny Burkardt could only divert Nadiem Amiri’s free kick about a yard over the goal with his head.

The hosts gradually gained more and more control on possession and looked ever likelier to find the target. Most would have been expecting the net to bulge after Paul Nebel played Burkardt through on goal, faced purely by the goalkeeper, but FSV’s top scorer was only able to hit the right-hand post (20’). He then tried his luck again with a header shortly afterwards, seeing his effort sail over once more. Neither team were able to deliver complete precision in their play and Kiel appeared to benefit, continuing to attack with bravery. Shuto Machino forced Zentner to be at full stretch with a header from eight yards out (23’). Burkardt had been involved in everything good for Mainz up until this point and a third headed effort just before the half-hour mark looped over Timon Weiner but also over the crossbar once again.

The 05ers‘ first-half struggles were compounded when they went behind after 34 minutes. Alexander Bernhardsson received the ball on the right-hand side of the penalty area and left Zentner with no chance as he bent the ball into the far top corner for 1-0. Holstein created another chance via a break down the left wing, this time with Machino letting fly, only to see Zentner close off the angle to goal (40’). Burkardt and Amiri sought an equaliser before the break but it was not to come and Kiel headed into half-time deservedly ahead thanks to a courageous display.

Increased pressure from the hosts leads to a leveller

The home side emerged unchanged in terms of personnel for the second 45 minutes and were awarded a free-kick in shooting range right after the restart. Amiri is the usual orchestrator in these situations but he sent his dead-ball effort high over the bar (47’). The 05ers dominated the early exchanges in the second period and a leveller would have been justified, but the woodwork ensured once again that no such goal was to arrive. This time around, it was Anthony Caci who headed Mwene’s cross onto the post (61’). The Storks then recorded their first chance since the restart and came just as close. Skrzyski directed a header of his own onto the post before Armin Gigovic was denied at close quarters by the FSV shot stopper (64’).

Henriksen then introduced Nikolas Veratschnig and Nelson Weiper for the final 23 minutes, with the pair replacing Mwene and Lee. Kiel turned their full attention to the defensive work, attempting to withstand what was increasing forward pressure from a home team searching for an equaliser. Dähne was called into action as he parried a strike from Amiri before he did see the ball hit his net after being lobbed by Veratschnig; however, the substitute was adjudged to have been offside. Just a minute later, though, Mainz did receive their due reward when Nebel impressively played in Weiper with a lofted pass. The second of the two home-grown talents then controlled well with his chest before applying the left-footed finish to level proceedings at 1-1.

The 05ers continued to press on as they now sought a winning goal, with the substitutes having a clear and positive impact on the contest. Veratschnig unleashed a dipping, long-range effort on goal, which drew the visiting keeper into a good save (79’). He then turned provider, supplying Moritz Jenz with a headed chance, but his attempt went wide. Armindo Sieb was brought on for Burkardt in order to provide further attacking impetus, although it was FSV who breathed a sigh of relief when a header from Phil Harres missed the target. No further chances arrived during four minutes of stoppage time and the teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw and a share of the points.

Bo Henriksen’s side are next in action when they travel to face Hoffenheim this coming Saturday, 12th April (kick-off 15:30 CEST).