Tim Kleindienst on target again as Borussia Mönchengladbach draw in Mainz
Mainz and Borussia Mönchengladbach played out an exciting 1-1 draw at the MEWA Arena, with Stefan Lainer's own goal cancelled out by Tim Kleindienst's header. Both teams had chances to win in a tense finale, with Mainz dominating shots but unable to find a winner.
Mainz 1-1 Borussia Mönchengladbach
Goals: 1-0 Lainer (o.g. 55'), 1-1 Kleindienst 57' (assist: Honorat)
The Friday night Bundesliga clash between Mainz and Gladbach at the MEWA Arena promised to be an intriguing encounter. Both sides entered the match with identical recent form, having won two and lost two of their last four games. Mainz, still seeking their first home win of the season, were eager to improve their record, while Gladbach aimed to secure back-to-back victories for the first time in over two years.
Early pressure and setback for Mainz
Mainz started the match with intent, creating several early chances. Nadiem Amiri was particularly active, forcing Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas into saves in the ninth and tenth minutes, before narrowly missing the target in the 11th. However, the hosts suffered a significant blow when captain Jonathan Burkardt was forced off with an injury in the 20th minute, replaced by Armindo Sieb.
Mainz dominate but can't break through
Despite the setback, Mainz controlled much of the first half, enjoying 52% possession. They continued to create chances, with Phillipp Mwene and Jae-sung Lee both coming close. Gladbach's Joseph Scally received a yellow card in the 40th minute, reflecting the growing tension. The hosts ended the half with 11 shots to Gladbach's one, but the teams went into half-time level at 0-0.
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Drama unfolds in quick succession
The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute when Gladbach's Stefan Lainer inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Mainz a 1-0 lead. However, the joy was short-lived for the home fans. Just two minutes later, Kleindienst equalised for Gladbach with a powerful header from Franck Honorat's cross, bringing the scores level at 1-1.
End-to-end finale
The remainder of the second half saw both teams pushing for a winner. Gladbach brought on Kevin Stöger for Alassane Pléa, adding fresh impetus to their attack. Mainz's goalkeeper Robin Zentner made crucial saves in the closing stages, denying Kleindienst's header and Stöger's free-kick in the 90th minute. At the other end, Maxim Leitsch came close for Mainz but couldn't find the target. Despite 21 total shots from Mainz and nine from Gladbach, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Mainz 1.5911 - Mönchengladbach 0.8181
Fastest player: Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Mönchengladbach), 33.46 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Mönchengladbach), 12.64 percent
Most pressed player: Armindo Sieb (Mainz), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Anthony Caci (Mainz), 3.7
Fantasy Heroes: Anthony Caci (Mainz, 299 Points), Moritz Jenz (Mainz, 280 Points), Kaishu Sano (Mainz, 273 Points)
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