VfB held by Mainz

Match summary

In an exciting and hard-fought game at the MHP Arena, VfB held the lead at 2-0 and 3-2 against Mainz, only to be denied victory by a stoppage-time equaliser.

The goals

8^th minute: What an attack! Deniz Undav switches play from the right to the left, finding Chris Führich as he enters the box. Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner blocks his initial shot but Enzo Millot is perfectly placed to prod in the rebound.

15^th minute: Route one stuff from VfB. Alex Nübel spots Jamie Leweling’s run and plays it long towards him. The winger takes the ball in his stride and lashes it high into the net to make it 2-0!

43^rd minute: How frustrating! Millot accidentally brings down Jonathan Burkardt inside the box. Referee Timo Gerach awards a penalty and Nadiem Amiri places it past Nübel.

62^nd minute: VfB struggle to clear their lines and Mainz capitalise with Burkardt heading in from close range.

88^th minute: Yeeeess! Fabian Rieder makes it 3-2 to VfB from a direct free-kick that goes in off the post and the Mainz goalkeeper!

90’ +4^th minute: Mainz play a long ball into the penalty area and our boys lose the decisive aerial duel, allowing Maxim Leitsch to equalise at 3-3!

Additional talking points

There was a special announcement alongside the line-ups on Saturday afternoon with the news that left-back Maximilian Mittelstädt had signed a contract extension through to June 2028.

Josha Vagnoman celebrated his comeback here following a foot injury that sidelined him for 10 games.

El Bilal Toure made his VfB and Bundesliga debut when he replaced Leweling in the 74th minute.

Rieder scored his first goal for VfB.