FSV keep a grip on the European spots

A commanding display away to VfL Bochum saw 1. FSV Mainz 05 run out 4-1 winners in their final fixture on the road in 2024/25, which puts European qualification in their own hands on the final day. Nadiem Amiri, Phillipp Mwene, Jonny Burkardt and Paul Nebel all netted for the 05ers, while former Mainz player Gerrit Holtmann also added his name to the score sheet.

Lasse Rieß started between the sticks once again, as he did last time out in the derby clash with Frankfurt, deputising for the injured Robin Zentner. Stefan Bell came into the starting line-up for Dominik Kohr, while Danny da Costa was surprisingly able to feature from the off after recent fitness concerns.

Mainz just about lead at the end of a largely luckless half

The contest got off to a lively start and the opening chance arrived at the feet of Jonny Burkardt within 30 seconds. Nebel turned the ball over in midfield before slipping his captain through on goal, whose deflected strike had to be tipped round the post by Timo Horn (1’). VfL also looked to make early inroads but found no gaps in the Mainz back line. However, the hosts were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to prevent Phillipp Mwene curling the ball into the far top corner, with Ivan Ordets on hand to head the ball off the line (9’).

The first threat on the Mainz net stemmed from the foot of FSV’s own defender. Bochum won the ball back in the visitors’ half before somewhat firing it at Bell, whose attempt to clear ended up zipping just over his own crossbar (23’). Suddenly the match had opened up and despite the 05ers‘ domination of the ball, it was the team propping up the Bundesliga standings who were having the better of proceedings. Therefore, it was all the more important that Mainz created further pressure on the half-hour mark. Anthony Caci played the onrushing da Costa down the right flank, who in turn impressively cut back for Nebel. The midfielder took a first-time shot from range but saw his effort sail a good yard over the target (33’).

Bukardt was the next to try his luck on the Bochum goal, but saw his double chance blocked twice, firstly by teammate Lee before Ordets came good for his side once more (43’). As the clash looked to be heading for half-time stalemate, Tom Krauß, on loan at VfL from Mainz 05, fouled Mwene 20 yards from goal and therefore provided a chance in prime Amiri free-kick territory. The dead ball specialist stepped up to deliver a stunning strike into the top corner and hand his side a narrow lead at the break (45’+1).

Three second-period strikes seal the deal

VfL head coach Dieter Hecking reacted in making a triple substitution for the second period, brining former Mainzer Gerrit Holtmann into the fray, who then tested Rieß in the 47th minute. FSV nearly profited from a poor Maximilian Wittek clearance just 60 seconds later, with Caci subsequently laying off for Nebel who forced Horn into saving at his near post (48’). It was not long before Mainz had their second goal, however, as Lee played Mwene into acres of space in the Bochum box after a turnover. The Austrian showed impressive finishing ability with his weaker foot as he found the far side of the net first-time (53’). That was to be one of his final acts of the game, too, as both he and Lee were brought off by Henriksen on the hour, with Silvan Widmer and Hyunseok Hong taking their places.

Jonny Burkardt ensured Mainz’s control on the contest was reflected in the score line when he fired in a third goal on 72 minutes. Fellow home-grown player Nebel had eye-catchingly played his striker in on goal, who in turn left Horn helpless for his 17th of the Bundesliga season. Holtmann did get a goal back for Bochum with seven of regular time to play, lashing a shot past Rieß from 20 yards out, giving the young keeper no chance (83’). Nebel nevertheless made sure that Mainz did win the match by a three-goal margin when he added the 05ers’ fourth of the day in injury time, slotting with confidence beyond the diving Horn (90’+2). Again, it was a combination of former academy players that did the trick as substitute Nelson Weiper flicked on Rieß’s long ball for the midfielder to guide home.

An eighth away win of the season takes FSV’s tally to 51 Bundesliga points this term and means that they will have it in their own hands when it comes to defending sixth spot on the final day, as they host Bayer 04 Leverkusen this coming Saturday afternoon (kick-off 15:30 CEST).