Mainz (AP) - FC Schalke 04 have again lost valuable points in the fight for a European Cup place with the goalless draw at FSV Mainz 05.
For the Gelsenkircheners it was the ninth draw in the Bundesliga season and the fourth game in a row without a win. For Mainz, on the other hand, it was the first draw in the 22nd encounter as well as the first point win in front of their home crowd after four defeats in the Opel Arena.
The 27,482 spectators at the Mainz carnival home game were initially not in a really good mood. The hosts in the specially designed four-color jerseys had as little to offer on the offensive as the Schalke players. They had their first, only and top-class chance until the break in the 34th minute. After a free kick by Bastian Oczipka, 05 goalkeeper Robin Zentner was just able to steer the ball headed by Matija Nastasic from ten meters onto the goal with his fingertips over the crossbar.
The Rheinhessen fighting against relegation, in which Robin Quaison initially ran little danger after his three-pack at Hertha BSC (3: 1), had a little more pull towards the goal, but weakened in the exploitation of opportunities. Two long-range shots from Levin Öztunali (8/11) did not really challenge Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Nübel. After that, he did not have to intervene at close range from a sideways puller of Leandro Barreiro (25).
On the other hand, Nübel was lucky two minutes before the break: after a cross from Daniel Brosinski, he rushed out against Quaison and did not catch the ball, but Danny Latza's margin led Nastasic past the empty goal.
After the restart, Schalke was the more active team, but not the more effective. A drop kick by Weston McKennie (49th), who shot half a meter past the Mainz housing, was nothing more than a warning signal. But the place-keepers didn't really have much to offer before the opposing goal. However, Mainz almost managed to make it to their first win after four home defeats: After a throw-in, Jonjoe Kenny let go in the 78th minute, whose shot Nübel barely directed to the bar. On the other hand, Kenny headed free-standing in extra time at the goal of table 15. Mainz over.
Squad Mainz 05
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Squad Schalke 04
