Mainz 05 stunned Eintracht Frankfurt with a remarkable 3-1 victory at the Deutsche Bank Park, fueled by two goals from Paul Nebel and one controversial own goal from Frankfurt's goalkeeper Kauã Santos.
The match began with Frankfurt eager to end their four-match winless streak. They started strong, creating early chances, but the game took an unexpected twist just 15 minutes in. A costly mistake by Santos changed the course of the match. Under pressure from Mainz's Ellyes Skhiri, Santos mishandled a simple back pass, deflected the ball off the crossbar and then straight back to the net, handing Mainz the lead and leaving the home fans stunned.
"That's football," reflected Mainz's coach Bo Henriksen, with his counterpart Dino Toppmöller left grappling for explanations on how such calamities could happen. The first goal ignited Mainz, who then surprisingly extended their lead after losing their captain. Just six minutes later, Nadiem Amiri received his marching orders following a reckless challenge, putting them at ten men for the remainder of the match. Yet, instead of being despondent, Mainz displayed resilience.
Following the red card, Nebel doubled the visitors' lead with an outstanding strike from outside the box on the 27th minute, which deflected off Robin Koch, leaving Santos grasping for air. The night could not have been more painful for the young Brazilian goalkeeper, who was filling in for the ill Kevin Trapp. Although Frankfurt had not been troubled before the own goal, they were now facing against the tide.
Santos's woes continued when Mainz scored their third goal early in the second half. A mix-up from Frankfurt’s defense saw Santos lose possession again, leading to Nebel's second goal, which effectively sealed the match for Mainz at 3-0.
Despite their numerical disadvantage and facing aggressive opposition, Mainz held firm defensively, with goalkeeper Robin Zentner making several important saves as Frankfurt pressed hard for goals. Frankfurt’s efforts gained some reward when Rasmus Kristensen managed to reduce the deficit with 15 minutes left on the clock, neatly heading home from close range. But it was too little, too late, as Mainz maintained their composure to secure the victory.
The final score of 3-1 reflects not only the events of the match but also highlights the contrasting fortunes for both teams. Mainz's victory propelled them to fifth place, showcasing their impressive form of late, especially following their previously noted win over league leaders Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Frankfurt's loss deepened their struggle, marking their fifth match without victory, with four of those being losses.
Post-match, the frustration was palpable among Frankfurt's players. Defensive leader Robin Koch remarked, "We had so many chances. Normally, this would be enough for several matches." Sporting director Markus Krösche echoed these sentiments, commenting on the disappointing turn of events and the poor luck encountered during the match.
Even with their chances, the numerical advantage they enjoyed due to Mainz’s red card was rendered irrelevant by both poor finishing and outstanding defending from the visitor's side. Coach Toppmöller lamented, "We cannot concede two goals against a team that's down to ten men," placing the accountability squarely on their own shoulders.
For Mainz, this game stands as evidence of their growing squad’s conviction and tactical discipline, led by Nebel's inspiring performance. With the Bundesliga season reaching its final stretch, Mainz is primed to make significant moves, provided they can maintain their current form.
Reflecting on the bizarre match, both coaches noted the absurdity of the game. Toppmöller, unable to put definitively onto paper what went wrong, phrased it amusingly, stating, “It seemed as if God had conspired against us.”
Both clubs will look to regroup as the Bundesliga heads toward the winter break. For Mainz, they can relish this commanding upset, savoring the tactical victory, whereas Frankfurt will have to confront the mounting pressure to turn around their fortunes.
