Mainz secure crucial 2-0 victory over Stuttgart to stay in top six
Mainz defeated Stuttgart 2-0 at the MEWA Arena. Nelson Weiper (29') and Anthony Caci (86') scored for the home side. Mainz's defensive solidity and clinical finishing proved decisive against a Stuttgart side that dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Nadiem Amiri was named player of the match for his influential performance in midfield.
The MEWA Arena played host to a crucial Bundesliga clash between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and VfB Stuttgart, with both teams looking to improve their positions in the table. Mainz entered the match hoping to bounce back from two consecutive defeats, while Stuttgart aimed to continue their strong form. The home side were boosted by the return of Nelson Weiper to the starting lineup, while Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß made four changes to his side, including starts for Nick Woltemade and Ameen Al-Dakhil.
Weiper breaks the deadlock
Stuttgart started the match brightly, dominating possession and creating early chances. Jacob Bruun Larsen tested Robin Zentner with a powerful shot in the 9th minute, while Deniz Undav narrowly missed the target five minutes later. However, it was Mainz who struck first against the run of play. In the 29th minute, Paul Nebel found Weiper with a well-timed pass, and the young striker coolly slotted past Alexander Nübel to give Mainz the lead. The goal gave Mainz great confidence before they saw a series of yellows. Kaishu Sano, Weiper, and Zentner all received bookings for Mainz before halftime.
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Mainz's defensive masterclass
The second half saw Stuttgart push for an equaliser, with Hoeneß making key attacking substitutions. Jamie Leweling and Ramon Hendriks were introduced in the 62nd minute, followed by Fabian Rieder and Ermedin Demirović ten minutes later. However, Mainz's defence, led by the impressive Stefan Bell, stood firm. Zentner was called into action several times, making crucial saves to deny Undav and Leweling. As Stuttgart committed more men forward, Mainz looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Nadiem Amiri, who was pulling the strings in midfield, came close to doubling Mainz's lead in the 79th minute, but his effort was well saved by Nübel. The home side's resilience was finally rewarded in the 86th minute when Anthony Caci sealed the victory with a well-taken goal, sending the MEWA Arena into raptures.
Player of the Match: Nadiem Amiri
Amiri delivered a masterclass in midfield, proving instrumental in Mainz's victory. The German international's vision and passing ability were crucial in helping his side transition from defence to attack. His work rate was exemplary, covering significant ground and consistently putting pressure on Stuttgart's midfield. Whilst he nearly got a goal himself, he will no doubt be pleased with an assist and another strong all-round performance at the heart of Mainz's midfield.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Mainz 1.65 - Stuttgart 1.11
Fastest player: Dominik Kohr (M05), 33.9 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Nelson Weiper (M05), 32 percent
Most pressed player: Paul Nebel (M05), 28 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Paul Nebel (M05), +2.84
Fantasy Heroes: Anthony Caci (1. FSV Mainz 05, 344 Points), Paul Nebel (1. FSV Mainz 05, 253 Points), Phillipp Mwene (1. FSV Mainz 05, 207 Points)
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