Mainz has been flying with Bo Svensson in recent years and the 05ers have taken all the confidence that 3 rebounding wins bring to this game. Knowing that another win in this run would keep them in the hunt for a European spot, the hosts were quick. to focus their attention on their long-suffering opponents. Ludovic Ajorque and Barreiro were a constant risk for the first forty-five minutes, and both combined to create the first chance of the game. On this occasion, the 6’5” French striker saw a shot deflected wide after Barreiro’s initial attempt was stopped by Oliver Baumann. The Hoffenheim defender showed sharp reflexes when he parried Stefan Bell’s point-blank volley from a corner, but Barreiro’s next shot into the ground found the corner of the net to give Mainz the lead. direct.
Without a win in their last thirteen games, the visitors were keen to take a step forward under newly appointed coach Pellegrino Matarazzo. They started the second half well, with Dennis Geiger making a fake save from Robin Zentner. Matarazzo’s substitutes left the hosts with doubts, but despite their most productive efforts, the Sinsheimers were unable to carve out a niche for themselves at the festival. As the part-time wore on, Marcus Ingvartsen seemed to have things for Mainz, but the Dane’s effort was scrapped for lack of looks. On the other hand, Ihlas Bebou and Munas Dabbur missed presentable opportunities, but it was the 05ers who finished the festival with the most powerful team. 17-year-old striker Nelson Weiper might have added some brilliance to Mainz’s tally if he had taken one of the two past chances, but in the end those misses wouldn’t matter for a team that has now won five of its last six games.