Hertha coach Sandro Schwarz was sobered when he returned. Hertha looked like the winner for a long time – but Mainz hit back late.
Hertha got off to a better start in the game and was able to establish itself in the Mainz half in the first quarter of an hour. In this phase, Mainz had difficulties overplaying the pressing of the capital city. However, Hertha did not have any significant scoring chances either.
In the course of the first half, a very intense game developed in which Hertha had the better chances. The result was 1-0 for the Berliners through Lucas Toussart, who headed in from around 7 meters (30′). Berlin’s Ejuke had previously picked up a short defense by Mainz defender Leitsch in the penalty area and was able to cross unhindered.
Hertha game-determining, Mainz without ideas
Even after the opening goal, Hertha remained the more dangerous team. The strong Ejuke forced the Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner to make a strong save with a long-range shot (41st). Overall, the too harmless Mainz could not complain about the deficit at the break.
In the second half, Mainz initially showed a different face. The Rheinhessen came out of the break with momentum and put Hertha under pressure earlier. Great chances were still scarce and Hertha was able to survive the pressure phase unscathed.
As a result, Mainz struggled to appear offensively again. But a lack of inventiveness and a lack of precision made every attempt futile.
And yet the 05ers had one last chance: Lee crossed the ball into the penalty area in the last minute of added time. Hertha couldn’t get the ball away – and Anthony Caci was able to put the rebound in the goal from a short distance (90 + 4). A highly unfortunate turn of events from Hertha’s point of view. In the end, the Berliners had to settle for a point in Mainz, although Hertha looked like the sure winner of the encounter for a long time.
Mainz in Freiburg, Hertha welcomes Hoffenheim
FSV meets SC Freiburg away on Matchday 8 (Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.). A day later, Hertha is challenged at home against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (3:30 p.m.).