Mainz (AP) - Fortuna Dusseldorf has not rewarded for a superior appearance at FSV Mainz 05 and is still in great relegation danger after the 1-1 (0-0) in the basement duel of the Bundesliga.
In front of 21,409 spectators, Levin Öztunali took the lead in the 62nd minute, which Kenan Karaman (85th) equalized. Düsseldorf is thus four points behind the Mainz group in 15th place on the relegation site.
The Fortuna was the better team and had bad luck when conceding the goal. After referee Harm Osmers' refusal to recognize Öztunali's goal because of an alleged offside of preparer Jean-Philippe Mateta, he corrected the decision after the video assistant's intervention. Mateta later saw the yellow-red card (77th).
After the disappointing cup-out at fourth division club 1. FC Saarbrücken, Fortuna coach Uwe Rösler changed his starting line-up to five positions. Among other things, Düsseldorf's best goal scorer Rouwen Hennings had to hit the bench. The personnel changes showed the hoped-for effect, as the guests immediately took control and took advantage of three good opportunities in the opening quarter of an hour.
Mainz was visibly surprised by the offensive orientation of the Fortuna. Trainer Achim Beierlorzer reacted early to this and switched the defense from three to four chains. This gave the defensive a little stability.
Nothing went forward at the FSV. There was a lack of creativity in midfield and precision in passing. Shots on goal or even chances in the first half - none. There were many bad passes and whistles from the fans.
Markus Suttner (35.) had the best opportunity to take the Düsseldorf tour, but failed with a shot from close range to the brilliantly reacting Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner. For the 25-year-old, it was the last test of the evening: Due to a knee injury, he had to go out at half time, Florian Müller came for him.
The new man between the posts was able to excel several times after the restart. First he parried a slightly deflected shot from Thommy (49th), then he also remained victorious against Valon Berisha (70th). The people of Mainz were much more efficient. Öztunali took advantage of the first chance in goal after Mateta lifted the ball over Fortuna goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier. But Karaman broke the FSV late from all dreams of victory.
Table soccer Bundesliga
Squad FSV Mainz 05
Squad Fortuna Düsseldorf