FSV Mainz 05 has missed a huge step in the relegation battle of the Bundesliga and is starting the remaining two matchdays from the relegation place.
Despite being in the lead, coach Bo Henriksen’s team couldn’t get more than a 1-1 (1-0) draw at 1. FC Heidenheim and remains with 29 points behind 1. FC Union Berlin (30). In front of 15,000 spectators, a goal from Jonathan Burkardt (36th minute) was not enough to secure the longed-for first away win of the season. Tim Kleindienst (65th) equalized for Heidenheim at the end of the 32nd matchday.
Mainz is five points ahead of 1. FC Köln two match days before the end of the season and can therefore be relegated directly to the 2nd Bundesliga. In order to stay in it, the 05ers have to hope for mistakes from the competition before their own games against Borussia Dortmund and VfL Wolfsburg. As tenth in the table, Heidenheim still has a chance of reaching Europe.
“How cool was that against Bayern?”
The atmosphere on the Schlossberg was already exuberant before kick-off. Thanks to VfL Bochum’s 4-3 win at Union Berlin, Heidenheim’s stay in the league was also mathematically certain – and that on the 32nd matchday. “We knew that we would stay in the class with 37 points and a significantly better goal difference. Of course it’s something different when it’s 100 percent certain,” said Heidenheim coach Schmidt before the game on DAZN.
To celebrate the day, the well-known commentators Frank Buschmann and Wolff-Christoph Fuss were guests on the Ostalb – as fans. Before he sat down in his seat with beer and the Heidenheim flag, Buschmann warmed up the fans: “How cool was that against Bayern? I’m glad that I’m finally here.” The newcomer sensationally defeated the record champions 3-2 in April.
Both teams had their chances in the early stages. Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner was able to defuse a powerful but imprecise shot from Eren Dinkci (10th). On the other side, Burkardt was only a few centimeters away from taking the lead after a cross from the left.
Burkardt’s precise volley is not enough
Heidenheim had the first big chance: after a long pass from Omar Traoré, Tim Kleindienst took the ball out of the air, but then took a little too long and failed because of the strong reacting Zentner (29th). Burkardt made it better for Mainz and precisely volleyed a cross from Anthony Caci to take the lead. It was the seventh goal of the second half of the season for the former U21 national team captain. Burkardt, who had to struggle with injuries and setbacks for a long time, is increasingly becoming the 05er’s guarantor in the relegation battle.
Heidenheim came out of the locker room with a lot of momentum and from then on had the better chances. Dinkci (55th) ran towards Zentner alone and was once again denied by the excellent Mainz team. The guests also cleared a sharp cross from set-piece specialist Jan-Niklas Beste. The header goal that Kleindienst scored a few minutes later from a free-standing shot from close range was only a matter of time.
The final phase was tough. Zentner thwarted FCH’s further great chances and at least saved his team a point. On the other hand, Burkardt had the victory for Mainz on his feet, but Heidenheim’s goalkeeper Kevin Müller also had a strong day and took the ball from the striker with a spectacular dive.
