Burkardt completes Mainz turnaround in Leipzig | OneFootball

Jonathan Burkardt and Nadiem Amiri complete Mainz turnaround to beat RB Leipzig

Jonathan Burkardt and Nadiem Amiri overturned a first-minute Xavi Simons finish to earn Mainz all three points away at RB Leipzig in a big result in the race for a top-four finish and UEFA Champions League qualification.

RB Leipzig 1-2 MainzGoals: 1-0 Xavi 1’ (assist: Haidara), 1-1 Amiri 52’ (assist: Nebel), 1-2 Burkardt 58’ (assist: Amiri)

The Red Bull Arena played host to a crucial clash in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification, as Leipzig welcomed Mainz. Both sides entered the match level on points, with the visitors ahead only on goal difference. Leipzig were looking to bounce back from a string of draws, while Mainz aimed to continue their impressive form that had seen them climb the table in recent weeks.

Leipzig's lightning start

The home side got off to a dream start, taking the lead after just 60 seconds. Xavi found himself in the right place at the right time, pouncing on a loose ball in the box following a blocked shot from Amadou Haidara. The Dutchman made no mistake, smashing home to give Leipzig an early advantage. The goal set the tone for a frantic opening period, with both sides creating chances. Benjamin Šeško came close for Leipzig, while Jae-sung Lee threatened for Mainz.

Xavi Simons scored Leipzig's fastest home goal in Bundesliga history. (Maja Hitij)

Mainz grow into the game

As the first half progressed, Mainz began to assert themselves. Amiri and Lee became more influential in midfield, while Burkardt posed a constant threat up front. Leipzig's early momentum waned, and the game became a more evenly contested affair. Despite this, clear-cut chances remained at a premium, with both defences holding firm. The teams went into the break with Leipzig holding a slender 1-0 lead, but Mainz had shown enough to suggest they were still very much in the contest.

Nadiem Amiri quickly got Mainz back on level terms in the second half. (IMAGO/Gabor Krieg)

Mainz turn the tables

The second half saw a dramatic shift in the match's complexion. Mainz came out with renewed vigour and purpose, pressing Leipzig high up the pitch and forcing errors. Their efforts were rewarded in the 52nd minute when Amiri found the equaliser. The midfielder reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, firing past Péter Gulácsi to level the scores. The goal really energised Mainz, and they continued to push forward in search of a winner.

Burkardt seals the comeback

Mainz's persistence paid off just six minutes later when Burkardt put them ahead. The striker showed great composure to control a pass from Amiri, turn, and slot the ball past Gulácsi. The goal stunned the home crowd and left Leipzig reeling. Marco Rose's side tried to respond, bringing on Kevin Kampl and Nicolas Seiwald for Haidara and Lutsharel Geertruida. However, Mainz's defence stood firm against the late Leipzig onslaught.

Mainz hold on for crucial win

As the clock ticked down, Leipzig threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Šeško came close with a header that went just wide, while Yussuf Poulsen saw a late effort sail over the bar. Mainz, however, defended resolutely and even threatened on the counter-attack, with Burkardt and Amiri both hitting the woodwork in quick succession. Bo Henriksen made a tactical substitution, bringing on Lennard Maloney for Amiri to shore up the midfield. In the end, the Dane's side held on for a famous victory - just their second in Leipzig in the Bundesliga - and one that sees them leapfrog their opponents into fourth place and strengthen their bid for Champions League qualification.

Player of the Match: Nadiem Amiri

While several Mainz players put in stellar performances, Amiri stood out as the catalyst for their comeback. The midfielder not only scored the crucial equaliser but was also instrumental in creating Burkardt's winner. Amiri's energy, vision, and composure in the second half helped turn the tide in Mainz's favour, making him the deserving Player of the Match.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Leipzig 1.9 - Mainz 2.01Fastest player: Loïs Openda (Leipzig), 35.1 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-2 by Jonathan Burkardt (Mainz), 9.87 percentMost pressed player: Xavi Simons (Leipzig), 32 times under pressurePass efficiency: Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), +6.26

Fantasy Heroes: Nadiem Amiri (Mainz, 426 Points), Xavi Simons (Leipzig, 329 Points), Kaishu Sano (Mainz, 287 Points)

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