1. FSV Mainz 05 celebrated a convincing 4-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach at the start of the 22nd matchday. After beating Bayern Munich, Borussia landed firmly on the ground.
Mainz celebrated their fourth win from the past five games and climbed to seventh place with 32 points. Mönchengladbach is stuck in the middle of the table with 29 points.
After a difficult initial phase for both teams, Jae-sung Lee provided the first highlight: after Gladbach’s Nico Elevdi lost the ball, the Korean switched the fastest and converted Danny da Costa’s cross with a header to give Mainz the lead (25th).
Four goals conceded, Omlin injured – used evening for Gladbach
Afterwards, Mönchengladbach also lost their keeper Jonas Omlin, who injured his thigh without any apparent influence of an opponent. Substitute Tobias Sippel had to go in the box after half an hour.
The next shock for Borussia shortly after the change of sides: Marcus Ingvartsen increased the lead to 2-0 (49 ‘) after another strong press from Mainz. Ludovic Ajorque (72nd) then made it 3-0 and the preliminary decision with his first Torim Mainz jersey. Nelson Weiper scored the fourth goal in added time – and two days after Ash Wednesday the Mainz carnival continued.
Gladbach unrecognizable after Bayern Gala
Gladbach, on the other hand, continues to look for consistency. Once again, the completely disappointing Borussia failed to record two wins in a row for the first time this season – more than gray mediocrity doesn’t seem possible at the moment. Coach Daniel Farke trusted exactly the starting XI that had outplayed FC Bayern in a 3-2 win last matchday.
But there was little to see in Borussia from the momentum of the previous week. The team around the recently strong national player Jonas Hofmann made many bad passes, remained harmless except for a shot by Manu Kone (18th) – and wobbled on the defensive: The weak Elvedi frittered away the ball because Costa crossed precisely to Lee, who completed with a head for the lead.
Next Mainz Tor Festival
Borussia also got off to a bad start after the break. At Ajorque’s conclusion, Sippel parried, but Ingvartsen completed the sweep coldly. Gladbach finally had opportunities through Hannes Wolf (52′) and Marcus Thuram (69′), but Mainz keeper Robin Zentner was there twice. Otherwise, there was no big uproar among the guests. Mainz countered again and again – and in the end celebrated the next goal festival in front of their own audience: In the last three home games, the Mainz fans were able to celebrate 12 goals.
Mainz at home against Hoffenheim
1. FSV Mainz 05 is allowed to play at home again on the 23rd match day, then it is against 1899 Hoffenheim (Saturday, March 4th, 2022 at 3.30 p.m.). At the same time, Borussia Mönchengladbach welcomes SC Freiburg.