On March 15, 2025, the Bundesliga witnessed a gripping clash at the MEWA Arena as Mainz and Freiburg played to a tense 2-2 draw. This match held significance not only for the teams involved but also for their aspirations for European qualification.
The hosts, Mainz, marked their 120th anniversary with this match, donning special commemorative kits. There was palpable excitement as the team sought to capitalize on its home advantage. The game started cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out. Mainz aimed to assert control, but it was Freiburg who nearly struck first when Christian Günter's powerful half-volley hit the crossbar.
It wasn't until the 34th minute when Mainz broke the deadlock. After continuous pressure, Anthony Caci delivered a well-placed cross, finding Jonathan Burkardt who tapped it home, celebrating his 15th goal of the season as he became only the third Bundesliga player to reach this milestone for the 2024/25 season. The home fans erupted as their side took the lead, but the celebration was short-lived.
Five minutes later, disaster struck for Mainz when Dominik Kohr was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. Although the initial foul on Freiburg's Lucas Höler was deemed to have occurred outside the box, the decision to expel Kohr left Mainz with ten men and sent shockwaves through the home crowd. Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo took advantage of the situation with the resulting free kick, but Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner was on high alert, making a fingertip save to keep his side ahead.
After the break, it quickly became clear Freiburg was not going to be deterred. Playing with the extra man, they pressed hard, and their determination paid off just 12 minutes after the restart. Michael Gregoritsch, rising to meet Günter's precise cross, executed a superb header to bring the score to 1-1. This marked Gregoritsch's first Bundesliga goal of 2025, and the visiting fans were ecstatic.
Moments later, Mainz showed their resilience. Quickly regrouping, they regained the lead when Andreas Hanche-Olsen headed the ball home from another Caci cross at the 74-minute mark, delighting the home fans once again as they now led 2-1. Just as Mainz seemed poised to secure all three points, Freiburg responded with composure. Lukas Kübler leveled the match at 2-2 only five minutes later, tapping home from close range after receiving the ball from Ritsu Doan. This marked Kübler's 10th goal of his career, adding to the excitement of the match as both teams fought furiously for the win but were forced to settle for the draw.
The match statistics underscored the intensity and action on the pitch. Freiburg created numerous opportunities, firing 24 shots during the match, significantly outshooting Mainz. Despite their spirited efforts and effective attack, both teams failed to find the back of the net again, concluding the match at 2-2. The draw was, perhaps, more favorable to Mainz, who remained third in the Bundesliga standings, now sitting on 45 points, three points clear of Eintracht Frankfurt, who sit just outside of the Champions League spots.
Mainz's coach, Bo Henriksen, expressed satisfaction with the draw, particularly considering the circumstances of playing with ten men for much of the match. He commented, "Bo Henriksen’s Mainz will perhaps feel content with a point considering Kohr’s early dismissal..." This match highlighted not only the tenacity of the Mainz side but also the growing strength of Freiburg, who have reinvented themselves as continental hopefuls.
Both teams now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures; Mainz hopes to cement their Champions League dreams when they face Borussia Dortmund, whereas Freiburg will be eager to climb the table as they prepare to take on Union Berlin. This match symbolizes much more for the clubs involved, as both will continue to strive for top-four finishes, showcasing the passion and excitement of Bundesliga football.
The gripping encounter at MEWA Arena reaffirmed why both Mainz and Freiburg are serious contenders for European football, proving their mettle and ambition as the season progresses. Who will eventually claim the Champions League spots remains to be seen, but the match on March 15 certainly did not lack for drama or intensity.