Mainz and Union continue to suffer
Basement teams miss the rescue effort
A draw that doesn't help anyone: In the catch-up game on the 18th matchday of the Bundesliga, 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Union Berlin miss victory in a water fight. Mainz 05 failed again due to a lack of efficiency.
FSV Mainz 05 and 1. FC Union Berlin have missed a break in the relegation battle of the Bundesliga. In the catch-up game, both clubs split 1-1 (1-1) and are therefore still stuck in the bottom of the table. Especially for Rheinhessen in second-to-last place, things are becoming increasingly uncomfortable in the relegation zone after the tenth game without a win. They took the lead in front of 26,200 spectators thanks to Jonathan Burkardt's 1-0 win (45th/+8th minutes). Robin Gosens scored the equalizer (45th/+13th).
The fact that there was such a long injury time in the first half was due to renewed fan protests. The game started fast and turbulent. Already in the 3rd minute, 05 goalkeeper Robin Zentner had to stretch hard to parry a shot from Benedict Hollerbach. A little later, Mainz almost conceded the early goal, but Union striker Kevin Volland (7th) volleyed the ball onto the crossbar after a cross.
Mainz is painfully unlucky
As so often, Mainz initially lacked luck in their own penalty area in front of the opponent's goal. In the 9th minute, neither Sepp van den Berg nor Leandro Barreiro were able to overcome Union keeper Frederik Rönnow with their shots from close range. Seconds later, things became hectic again in the Berlin goal area: 05 striker Ludovic Ajorque, who had failed with two penalties against Rönnow in the first leg, received Robin Knoche's foot with force in the face. The Frenchman was able to continue playing despite a bleeding nose. There were no penalties because Knoche had previously touched the ball.
After about half an hour, the team's enthusiasm was stopped by fan protests. Tennis balls were thrown onto the lawn from the block of guest supporters to protest against the investor entry sought by the German Football League. The game had to be stopped for more than ten minutes when the score was 0-0.
Quick answer is the final word
When it was possible to play again, it was Union attacker Volland who hit the aluminum for the second time – this time the post. In the long extra time caused by the protests, Mainz's Burkardt made it 1-0 with a header. But the joy didn't last long. As if out of nowhere, Gosens equalized with a volley from a beautiful cross.
The hosts were more dominant in the second half, but were unable to capitalize on the few chances they had given the rain-soaked pitch. Striker Karim Onisiwo failed after a completely unsuccessful attempt at clearing by Union's Aissa Laidouni: the Austrian headed the ball past Berlin's half-empty goal from a few meters unchallenged.
The Berliners, coached by assistant coach Danijel Jumic, had no further compelling chances. Union head coach Nenad Bjelica had to watch in the stands again after he was suspended for his assault on national player Leroy Sané at the game in Munich.
