Kiel frustrate Mainz in stalemate | OneFootball

Relegation-threatened Holstein Kiel hold Champions League-chasing Mainz to draw

Mainz's Champions League hopes took an unexpected hit as troubled Holstein Kiel secured what could prove a valuable point at the MEWA Arena. Alexander Bernhardsson and Nelson Weiper were on target for their respective sides in a match filled with drama and spurned opportunities.

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Mainz 1-1 Holstein KielGoals: 0-1 Bernhardsson 34’ (assist: Rosenboom), 1-1 Weiper 75’ (assist: Nebel)

The aims for wither side ahead of this Matchday 28 encounter were wildly diofferent. Home coach Bo Henriksen was eager to see the 05ers strengthen their grip on the top-four  while bottom-of-the-table Kiel, led by Marcel Rapp, desperately needed points in their fight against relegation. Mainz entered the match unbeaten in their last nine home games, while Kiel had won only one of their previous 10 Bundesliga fixtures.

Kiel were fully involved in an exciting opening to the game in Mainz. (IMAGO/Gerhard Schultheiß)

Bernhardsson stuns Mainz

The first half saw Mainz dominate possession, but it was Kiel who struck first in spectacular fashion. In the 34th minute, Bernhardsson unleashed a stunning long-range effort that flew past Robin Zentner and into the top corner. The goal, which had an xG of just 0.0205, silenced the home crowd and gave the underdogs a shock lead.

Mainz pressed for an equaliser before the break, with Jonathan Burkardt particularly active, hitting the post in the 19th minute.

Jonathan Burkardt of Mainz attempts to break through the Kiel defence. (Neil Baynes)

Zentner keeps Mainz in it

The second half saw Mainz increase the pressure on Kiel's defence. Zentner kept the hosts in the game with a series of crucial saves. In the 64th minute, Steven Skrzybski's header hit the post for Kiel, and moments later, Zentner denied Armin Gigović from close range. Zentner's saves proved to be turning points in the match.

Nelson Weiper of Mainz celebrates after scoring the crucial equaliser (Neil Baynes)

Weiper to the rescue

Mainz's persistence finally paid off in the 75th minute when substitute Weiper found the back of the net. The young striker controlled a flighted pass from Paul Nebel before finishing coolly past Thomas Dähne. The goal was a just reward for Mainz's dominance in possession and shots.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the closing stages, but neither could find a winner, with Kiel's Phil Harres coming closest with a header that went just wide in the 89th minute.

Player of the Match: Robin Zentner

Zentner's outstanding performance between the posts was crucial in securing a point for Mainz. The goalkeeper made several key saves throughout the match, most notably denying Shuto Machino in the first half and Gigović in the second. His quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box kept Mainz in the game when Kiel threatened to extend their lead. Zentner's ability to distribute the ball effectively also helped Mainz maintain possession and build attacks from the back.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Mainz 2.23 - Holstein Kiel 1.51Fastest player: Timo Becker (KIE), 34.03 km/hLowest goal probability: 0-1 by Bernhardsson (KIE), 2 per centMost pressed player: Nebel (M05), 27 times under pressurePass efficiency: Burkardt (M05), +2.19

Fantasy Heroes: Nebel (1. FSV Mainz 05, 266 Points), Zentner (1. FSV Mainz 05, 189 Points), Anthony Caci (1. FSV Mainz 05, 185 Points)

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