20th matchday
Mainz’ fear of relegation grows after a 0-1 defeat against Bremen
Conceded the first goal in the second minute: Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner. photo
© Torsten Silz/dpa
Mainz 05 is heading more and more towards relegation. After the ninth Bundesliga game without a win, the chance of staying in the league decreases. Bremen remains on the road to success.
The one threatened with relegation FSV Mainz 05 has nothing left to laugh about before the climax of the crazy hustle and bustle in the carnival stronghold. The Rheinhessen lost the Bundesliga game against Werder Bremen 0-1 (0-1).
With the ninth league game without a win, the hopes of the second-to-last in the table of staying in the league are dwindling more and more. The match winner in front of 31,800 spectators was Werder’s top scorer Marvin Ducksch, who scored the winning goal after just under two minutes. With his ninth goal of the season he secured his third success in a row.
The game started extremely unfortunate for the Mainz team and perfect for the guests. After a cross pass from Olivier Deman, Anthony Caci shot at his teammate Tom Krauß. The ball bounced to Ducksch, who, unchallenged, quickly took the lead from close range. “It’s a constant throughout the season: we’re not unlucky,” said 05 President Stefan Hofmann during the half-time break on Sky. However, he attested that his team played “a good game”.
Mainz is behind from the start
However, the Mainz team, who were not very self-confident after the long negative series, remained unimpressed and, led by new signing Nadiem Amiri, put the Hanseatic team under pressure. That was almost rewarded in the 17th minute. A shot from Krauss from 18 meters hit the post.
The very committed hosts were unable to create any further chances until the half-time whistle because the build-up to the game was too hectic and the passes were too imprecise. Bremen had to use a lot of energy to keep Mainz in check. However, they had the opportunity to increase the score to 2-0 on a counterattack in the 42nd minute. Werder high-flyer Justin Njinmah, who had already scored four goals, beat three opponents but shot the ball past the left from 16 meters.
After the restart, Mainz continued to throw everything forward. Bremen defended themselves as best they could – and were lucky three times: In the 61st minute, after a cross from Jonathan Burkardt, the ball landed on the second newcomer, Jessic Ngankam from league neighbors Eintracht Frankfurt, who finished from eleven meters. But Werder goalkeeper Michael Zetterer directed the ball over the crossbar.
05 in acute danger
Six minutes later, Ludovic Ajorque extended a corner from ex-Leverkusen player Amiri, but narrowly missed the goal. Karim Onisiwo’s header went over the crossbar (82′).
The Mainz team now has their backs to the wall. If there is no success in the catch-up game against 1. FC Union Berlin on Wednesday, the race to stay in the league will be really tight. “We can do it,” said Hofmann despite only eleven points after 19 league games, of which only one was won.