The FSV Mainz 05 can breathe a bit in the relegation battle. The win against Paderborn improves the situation in the table cellar and at the same time exacerbates the sporting situation for the promoted team.
Mainz (dpa) - The joy at the first home win of the year at FSV Mainz 05 was just as great as the relief.
By 2: 0 (2: 0) in the basement duel against bottom of the table SC Paderborn, the Rheinhessen gave themselves some air in the fight against relegation from the Bundesliga on Matchday 24 and plunged the rivals into even greater hardships. "That was a big step for us," said FSV coach Achim Beierlorzer and praised: "All players delivered today."
In front of 24,231 spectators, Robin Quaison met in the 29th minute and Karim Onisiwo in the 37th minute for the 05ers, who were 15th in the table. now have a four-point cushion to Fortuna Düsseldorf on the relegation site. Next Sunday there will be a direct duel with the Rhineland in Mainz. "We want to build on today's performance," said FSV sports director Rouven Schröder.
For the Paderborn team, who still only have 16 points on their account, the sporting situation, on the other hand, is becoming more and more threatening and the immediate return to the 2nd division is becoming more and more likely. "If you don't win the important duels, you're running after the music. That's why we are where we are," said coach Steffen Baumgart. "We put our heads up and try to learn the lessons from this situation."
Before the kick-off, the SCP pros warmed up the niece of their injured striker Streli Mamba, who died last week during the game in Munich. On specially made T-shirts it said: "We are at your side." In the 90 minutes they could not build on the strong away appearance at the German record champions FC Bayern Munich (2: 3) and offered a disappointing performance.
The situation is different in Mainz, where 22-year-old Frenchman Jean-Philippe Mateta was back in the starting line-up for seasoned Adam Szalai for the first time in four weeks. The home side put pressure on from the start and pushed the promoted far into half. At first, however, they did not emit the risk of scoring a goal because there was a lack of precision and assertiveness near the penalty area.
The guests relied on quick counterattacks from a compact defense, but had no effect. It was only dangerous if FSV midfielder Levin Öztunali had a back pass that Paderborn's winger Christopher Antwi-Adjei had. But Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner parried.
The lead for the 05ers was somewhat surprising. Quaison pulled off from 20 meters and the ball hissed flat into the corner - unsustainable for Paderborn's goalkeeper Leopold Zingerle. The goal spurred on the Mainz team, who added a little later. Onisiwo concluded a beautiful combination with a flick in the far corner.
After the move, the guests intensified their offensive efforts, but could hardly embarrass the Mainz team. Paderborn was simply missing the class, so the FSV now had a firm grip on the game without adding playful highlights.
Squad FSV Mainz 05
Table soccer Bundesliga
Squad SC Paderborn