FSV Mainz 05 avoided the historically weakest start to the season in Bundesliga history – but is still in crisis.
Coach Bo Svensson’s still winless team drew 2-2 (1-1) at Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday and thus left last place in the table at least until Sunday. For Mainz, it is still the worst league start in the club’s history; a late goal cost them the win.
“We are of course frustrated, it annoys us all extremely,” said Robin Zentner on “DAZN”. The Mainz goalkeeper held strong for a long time, but then couldn’t prevent the equalizer: Joe Scally’s remarkable shot (88th) slipped over his glove. “All in all, the situation is bitter right now, but we can build on our performance,” said Zentner.
FSV Mainz 05 prevents negative record
If they had lost by a three-goal difference, the Zero Fives would have broken the previous negative record, which Eintracht Braunschweig set in 2013/14 with just one point and a goal difference of -15 after seven games.
But a dream goal from youngster Brajan Gruda (24th) and the goal from Aymen Barkok (75th) stopped the guests’ losing streak in front of 51,529 spectators after four defeats in a row. Gladbach, who had taken the lead through Florian Neuhaus (22nd), missed their second win in a row.
The game started slowly, but after nine minutes Gladbach’s Alassane Plea suddenly appeared free in front of guest keeper Robin Zentner. The Frenchman, match winner against Bochum with three scorer points, chipped the ball past the goal to the left. Shortly afterwards it was Plea again who didn’t put enough pressure behind the ball in the penalty area.
The foals did better in the 22nd minute. Franck Honorat was given too much time on the right side and crossed precisely into the penalty area, where the onrushing Neuhaus headed in to give Gladbach a deserved lead.
FSV Mainz 05 counters Gladbach’s lead
But Mainz quickly recovered from the shock. A short corner went to Gruda, whose brilliant shot from just outside the edge of the penalty area gave Moritz Nicolas no chance.
It was the 19-year-old’s first goal in the Bundesliga. Mönchengladbach then worked to regain the lead, but Leandro Barreiro decisively deflected an attempt from Jordan Siebatcheu at the last moment (34′). We went into the break with a score of 1-1.
In the second round there were chances for victory for both teams. Jae-Sung Lee from Mainz missed the lead from a very good position (53′). At the other end, Zentner saved an attempt from substitute Nathan Ngoumou (68th) and saved a few moments later from a header from Ko Itakura in dire need. For Mainz, Barkok initially failed because of Nicolas (72′) – and did better just three minutes later.
In the final phase, Gladbach started running, but was repeatedly denied by Zentner. Scally’s shot under the crossbar equalized.