Intense duel between Unions Julian Ryerson and Mainz Dominik Kohr Photo: City Press
By Sebastian Karkos
Union’s game in front of 25,000 fans in Mainz should be a hot battle for points. With 32 degrees it was a bit too hot for that, it was only enough for a goalless draw.
Heat battle in Mainz: the teams were allowed to take drinking breaks Photo: City Press
Union’s Rani Khedira on the heated battle: “We didn’t see a good game. it was incredibly difficult in the heat. It wasn’t a cakewalk. We didn’t create many chances to score, but we didn’t allow too many either.”
New signing Janik Haberer: “Last week was very good. Unfortunately it wasn’t that good today.” Coach Urs Fischer: It was a tough game. Both teams neutralized each other.”
Mainz professional Karim Onisiwo: “It certainly wasn’t nice to watch today.”
Waypoint for Union.
Union derby winners (3-1 against Hertha) start with just one change: Gießelmann starts, Trimmel sits on the bench for now. Rani Khedira wears the bandage.
Janik Haberer eludes Mainz’s Anton Stach and Silvan Widmer Photo: City Press
In the first half happens – nothing.
Sami Khedira, new expert at pay-TV broadcaster DAZN during the break, about his younger Union brother: “Rani organizes a lot, has a clear order and is strong in duels. He can dare a little more.”
Applies to all unions.
Morten Thorsby provided some freshness after coming on for Haraguchi (71st). The new Norwegian (came from Sampdoria Genoa) celebrates his Union premiere.
Morten Thorsby made his debut in the Union shirt Photo: City Press
Fischer: “He was committed and traveled a lot. I found his 20 minutes to be good. But he still needs a bit until he is physically fit.”
But he can’t provide a Union goal either. The game was completely balanced: 50 percent possession of the ball, 11:10 shots on goal for Mainz. zero goals.
That’s it.