Mainz dominated the first half at the start of the eighth Bundesliga matchday against Mönchengladbach – and rewarded themselves after the break. But then Gladbach’s top scorer Kleindienst comes and equalizes straight away.
A dominant team for long stretches, but no winner: FSV Mainz 05 and Borussia Mönchengladbach drew 1-1 (0-0) at the start of the eighth matchday in the Bundesliga. The hosts from Mainz were clearly the better team.
Gladbach’s Stefan Lainer gave FSV the lead with an own goal (55th minute). Almost in return, Tim Kleindienst equalized and made Borussia’s lucky point win perfect (57′). Mainz are still waiting for their first home win this season.
“We have to give it our all and get better at home,” said FSV coach Henriksen, looking at the misery in front of their own audience. His team tried to implement it that way from the start. Mainz started energetically and seemed significantly more alert than the guests. Nadiem Amiri tested Gladbach’s keeper Moritz Nicolas with two long-range shots, but he was in the post both times (9th/10th). Shortly afterwards, Amiri tried again from a distance – this time the attempt went past the right post (11th).
National player Burkardt has to get out early
The 05ers did not reward themselves for a courageous opening phase and also had to accept a setback: national player Jonathan Burkardt was unable to continue with a thigh problem and was replaced early on by Armindo Sieb (20th).
After coming on as a substitute, the 21-year-old had the best chance of the game so far when he narrowly missed the goal with a powerful finish. The home team continued to push for the 1-0 lead – but in vain until the break. In the 43rd minute, Nicolas defused a shot from Paul Nebel, who was starting in the Bundesliga for the first time in more than three years.
And Borussia’s offensive? It was virtually non-existent in the first half. The Gladbachers were also unable to showcase new national player Kleindienst – also because their game was far too erratic.
Lainer with an own goal – Kleindienst on the spot
After the break, Mainz kept the tempo high and restricted Gladbach. After a cross from Nebel, Lainer scored into his own goal – the deserved lead. But the 1-0 score didn’t last long. After a perfect cross from Franck Honorat, new international Kleindienst scored with a header. It was the 29-year-old’s sixth goal of the season.
The goal was good for Borussia. Coach Gerardo Seoane’s team made the encounter much more balanced. Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner fended off a hard shot from Kleindienst (64′). On the other hand, Maxim Leitsch missed a free kick from close range (81′). In the final phase, Gladbach suddenly pushed for the winning goal, but Zentner kept the tie with strong saves.
dpa/step
