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Mainz got the Carnival party started on Sunday evening with a stunning 3-2 win over Leverkusen at the BayArena. The 1,000 travelling supporters, who adorned the traditional fancy dress, brought colour and passion to the away end and the incredible atmosphere throughout the contest helped the players get over the line. There were sensational scenes after the final whistle as the Zerofivers picked up their second Bundesliga win on the spin. The fans now have a day of Carnival celebrations to look forward to on bank holiday Monday and Martin Schmidt summarised the mood after the game: “What could be better after an away win in Leverkusen?!”, said the sporting director.
Players and staff involved on Rose Monday
Martin Schmidt confirmed that twelve players and the coaching staff will be on the club’s float on Rose Monday and head coach Bo Svensson is very much looking forward to the festivities: “We were going to be there no matter what the result against Leverkusen. Now we’re even happier to be involved! Rose Monday is a special day in Mainz. A big part of it is that we can celebrate with the residents and with the fans. I am the coach of Mainz 05 so I will be there,” said the 43-year-old. The Dane also mentioned that it would be a good opportunity for his side to switch off from football for a little while: “We’ll meet for a regeneration session, we’ll talk about relevant topics and then we’ll put football on pause whilst we celebrate Rose Monday. Our focus will then turn to the game against Gladbach.”
It was a special day for Mainz in Leverkusen and not just because of the result. Svensson’s side managed to pick up all three points despite losing the lead on two occasions and despite Leverkusen piling on a lot of pressure in front of their home supporters. There was some VAR controversy which Martin Schmidt commented on afterwards: “There were controversial moments which didn’t entirely make sense,” said the sporting director. Bo Svensson, who received a yellow card for his protests, also spoke after the match: “I don’t think the card overshadows the game and our performance. It was a special performance from us with everything that went on. The way we pulled it off was really impressive. That’s maybe why I was so buoyant. It was a great feeling and I’m so proud of the team that they managed to handle this difficult game,” explained the gaffer.
The way we pulled it off was really impressive
“It was a hard-fought victory for us. I saw that we made more sprints over the 90 minutes than Leverkusen. That isn’t insignificant against a side that plays with such a high tempo. We wanted it more than they did, and we literally sprinted for the three points,” emphasised Martin Schmidt.
Wanting it from the first whistle
Mainz started the game well and looked switched on in the early stages. They often won the ball in their opponents half and didn’t give Bayer any space to hit them on the counter. The host’s first goal of contest came about due to an unfortunate Edimilson Fernandes error and FSV largely kept Leverkusen at bay in the first half. Caci gave Mainz the lead in the 26th minute before B04 levelled 6 minutes later (1-1).
The game could have panned out completely differently if Leverkusen had converted their spot-kick in the 23rd minute. Anton Stach caught Azmoun in the area with an outstretched leg but there looked to be minimal contact. The referee, however, still pointed to the spot after a lengthy VAR check. Luckily for the Zerofivers, Finn Dahmen superbly saved Tapsoba’s penalty.
Barreiro then put FSV 2-1 up deep into first half stoppage time (45+3) but there was still time for one more twist. The referee awarded Mainz a penalty after a foul on Karim Onisiwo but it was ruled out as Stefan Bell had fouled Amine Adli in the build-up. This was the final action of what was a highly entertaining half of football.
Mainz find the winner after another entertaining half
Leverkusen pressed for the equaliser and it came through substitute Patrik Schick. Onisiwo came close at the other end almost straight away but he was denied by a superb save. Despite B04’s pressure as the game progressed, FSV remained resolute and they were rewarded for their patience when the referee pointed to the spot with just under 10 minutes remaining. Marcus Ingvartsen stepped up and converted to put his side 3-2 ahead.
Bo Svensson was full of compliments for his side after the game: “I have to praise my team today. We had phases where it was difficult against this top side but we didn’t give up, we kept at it and we got through it. I am very proud of this performance. We are happy that we won and we reacted well when it went 2-2. I think the boys realised what they are capable of. That isn’t just from today. It feels really good. It has been a while since we won a tight game but we did that today. The way we acted as a team was very positive.” said the boss.
I think the boys realised what they are capable of
The introduction of Dominik Kohr and Marcus Ingvartsen were important factors and according to Svensson, the team regained more control: “You of course have to ride out moments of pressure against Leverkusen but I always sensed that the team wanted it and that we were stable. That’s a positive development,” explained the gaffer.
A good headache to have
The head coach also lauded Widmer, Aaron and Finn Dahmen (who was included in the Kicker Team of the Week) for their strong performances. “Respect has to go to Finn for his performance. He not only saved the penalty but he is brave when he comes out to deal with the long balls. He doesn’t fist it, he comes out and gets the ball under control and deals with it,” said Svensson. Finn has played well whilst Zentner has been on the sidelines and the gaffer has a positive dilemma on his hands ahead of the Gladbach game: “We have all seen how well Finn has performed but we also know what Robin has done here over the years. We’re not complaining that we have two good goalkeepers.”
Next up for Mainz is a home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday, 24th February, 20:30 CET.
Mainz got the Carnival party started on Sunday evening with a stunning 3-2 win over Leverkusen at the BayArena. The 1,000 travelling supporters, who adorned the traditional fancy dress, brought colour and passion to the away end and the incredible atmosphere throughout the contest helped the players get over the line. There were sensational scenes after the final whistle as the Zerofivers picked up their second Bundesliga win on the spin. The fans now have a day of Carnival celebrations to look forward to on bank holiday Monday and Martin Schmidt summarised the mood after the game: “What could be better after an away win in Leverkusen?!”, said the sporting director.
Players and staff involved on Rose Monday
Martin Schmidt confirmed that twelve players and the coaching staff will be on the club’s float on Rose Monday and head coach Bo Svensson is very much looking forward to the festivities: “We were going to be there no matter what the result against Leverkusen. Now we’re even happier to be involved! Rose Monday is a special day in Mainz. A big part of it is that we can celebrate with the residents and with the fans. I am the coach of Mainz 05 so I will be there,” said the 43-year-old. The Dane also mentioned that it would be a good opportunity for his side to switch off from football for a little while: “We’ll meet for a regeneration session, we’ll talk about relevant topics and then we’ll put football on pause whilst we celebrate Rose Monday. Our focus will then turn to the game against Gladbach.”
It was a special day for Mainz in Leverkusen and not just because of the result. Svensson’s side managed to pick up all three points despite losing the lead on two occasions and despite Leverkusen piling on a lot of pressure in front of their home supporters. There was some VAR controversy which Martin Schmidt commented on afterwards: “There were controversial moments which didn’t entirely make sense,” said the sporting director. Bo Svensson, who received a yellow card for his protests, also spoke after the match: “I don’t think the card overshadows the game and our performance. It was a special performance from us with everything that went on. The way we pulled it off was really impressive. That’s maybe why I was so buoyant. It was a great feeling and I’m so proud of the team that they managed to handle this difficult game,” explained the gaffer.
The way we pulled it off was really impressive
“It was a hard-fought victory for us. I saw that we made more sprints over the 90 minutes than Leverkusen. That isn’t insignificant against a side that plays with such a high tempo. We wanted it more than they did, and we literally sprinted for the three points,” emphasised Martin Schmidt.
Wanting it from the first whistle
Mainz started the game well and looked switched on in the early stages. They often won the ball in their opponents half and didn’t give Bayer any space to hit them on the counter. The host’s first goal of contest came about due to an unfortunate Edimilson Fernandes error and FSV largely kept Leverkusen at bay in the first half. Caci gave Mainz the lead in the 26th minute before B04 levelled 6 minutes later (1-1).
The game could have panned out completely differently if Leverkusen had converted their spot-kick in the 23rd minute. Anton Stach caught Azmoun in the area with an outstretched leg but there looked to be minimal contact. The referee, however, still pointed to the spot after a lengthy VAR check. Luckily for the Zerofivers, Finn Dahmen superbly saved Tapsoba’s penalty.
Barreiro then put FSV 2-1 up deep into first half stoppage time (45+3) but there was still time for one more twist. The referee awarded Mainz a penalty after a foul on Karim Onisiwo but it was ruled out as Stefan Bell had fouled Amine Adli in the build-up. This was the final action of what was a highly entertaining half of football.
Mainz find the winner after another entertaining half
Leverkusen pressed for the equaliser and it came through substitute Patrik Schick. Onisiwo came close at the other end almost straight away but he was denied by a superb save. Despite B04’s pressure as the game progressed, FSV remained resolute and they were rewarded for their patience when the referee pointed to the spot with just under 10 minutes remaining. Marcus Ingvartsen stepped up and converted to put his side 3-2 ahead.
Bo Svensson was full of compliments for his side after the game: “I have to praise my team today. We had phases where it was difficult against this top side but we didn’t give up, we kept at it and we got through it. I am very proud of this performance. We are happy that we won and we reacted well when it went 2-2. I think the boys realised what they are capable of. That isn’t just from today. It feels really good. It has been a while since we won a tight game but we did that today. The way we acted as a team was very positive.” said the boss.
I think the boys realised what they are capable of
The introduction of Dominik Kohr and Marcus Ingvartsen were important factors and according to Svensson, the team regained more control: “You of course have to ride out moments of pressure against Leverkusen but I always sensed that the team wanted it and that we were stable. That’s a positive development,” explained the gaffer.
A good headache to have
The head coach also lauded Widmer, Aaron and Finn Dahmen (who was included in the Kicker Team of the Week) for their strong performances. “Respect has to go to Finn for his performance. He not only saved the penalty but he is brave when he comes out to deal with the long balls. He doesn’t fist it, he comes out and gets the ball under control and deals with it,” said Svensson. Finn has played well whilst Zentner has been on the sidelines and the gaffer has a positive dilemma on his hands ahead of the Gladbach game: “We have all seen how well Finn has performed but we also know what Robin has done here over the years. We’re not complaining that we have two good goalkeepers.”
Next up for Mainz is a home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday, 24th February, 20:30 CET.
