An offensive and fast-paced orientation was not rewarded for 1. FSV Mainz 05. The Rheinhessen had to be content with one point in the 1-1 (0-0) draw in their own stadium against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday evening.
The 05ers took the lead with an own goal from Gladbach defender Stefan Lainer (55th). National striker Tim Kleindienst equalized just a short time later (57th) with his sixth goal of the season.
Mainz is still waiting for its first home win
The Mainz team ran at the Gladbach goal for long periods of the game. But the bulwark of Gladbach’s defense around Ko Itakura and Marvin Friedrich held. It was only in the final phase that the guests from Lower Rhine became really dangerous again.
Mainz 05 are still waiting for their first home win of this Bundesliga season. Mönchengladbach improved to ninth place by gaining points.
Gladbach’s striker Tim Kleindienst was overall happy with the point, even if the first half didn’t go well. “In the final minutes we pushed hard for the second goal again”said Kleindienst in the Sportschau interview.
The Mainz team started with a lot of speed and put a lot of pressure on the Gladbach goal. Ex-national player Nadiem Amiri in particular was in a great mood to play. The only drawback: Mainz didn’t hit the goal.
Johnny Burkardt out injured early
There was also another handicap: young national player Jonathan Burkardt had to be substituted due to an injury in the 21st minute. The FSV striker strained his thigh and will probably be out for two weeks. Armindo Sieb came for him.
Jan Ebling, sports show, October 25th, 2024 11:20 p.m
Gladbach’s game, on the other hand, didn’t seem nearly as smooth; a lot of things remained wooden, especially on offense. Gladbach had half a goal, Mainz had eight at the break. At least Moritz Nicolas was initially able to keep his goal clean.
Kleindienst fixes Lainer’s faux pas
After the break, Mainz continued with their offensive whirlwind. The Gladbachers repeatedly successfully threw themselves into the shots of the 05ers. However, Stefan Lainer failed, as he unfortunately maneuvered a sharp cross from Paul Nebel into his own goal.
Jan Ebling, Sportschau, October 25, 2024 11:18 p.m
But the Gladbach answer followed promptly. National player Kleindienst completed the visitors’ best attack to date with a beautiful header from Franck Honorat’s cross to equalize. It was only Gladbach’s second shot on goal.
Zentner prevents Gladbach’s lucky punch
The Kleindienst goal had an effect on Mainz, who now lost some of their momentum and acted more cautiously. Only in the final phase did Bo Henriksen’s team turn things up again – without success.
The Gladbachers almost managed the lucky punch. But Robin Zentner in the Mainz goal prevented Gladbach from winning with three (!) super saves in the final minutes.
“Our chances were not optimal. Except for the last seven or eight minutes, we played a good game and put in a lot of effort. In the crucial moments we lacked the timing.”said keeper Zentner in an interview with Sportschau.
Gladbach against Bremen, Mainz in Freiburg
For Borussia Mönchengladbach, the next opponent is Werder Bremen (November 3rd, 5:30 p.m.). On the same day, Mainz will be guests in Freiburg (November 3rd, 3:30 p.m.).
