 |
| Silvan Widmer of 1. FSV Mainz 05 celebrates after scoring 1:1 during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Opel Arena on November 5, 2021 in Mainz, Germany. |
An impressive equaliser from Silvan Widmer has earned Mainz a 1-1 home draw with Borussia Moenchengladbach to keep them flying high in the Bundesliga.
Widmer curled in his first goal for Mainz with his weaker left foot, beating keeper Yann Sommer high into the net via the far post in the 76th minute.
It was a thoroughly deserved leveller for Mainz who created enough chances in a second half they dominated to win the game.
Sommer magnificently denied Lee Jae Sung, twice, and Jonathan Burkhardt before finally succumbing.
Gladbach in contrast had been the more dangerous in the first half but only had Florian Neuhaus' 39th-minute rebound, after usually reliable keeper Robin Zentner spilled Ramy Bensebaini's long shot, to show for their efforts.
 |
| Silvan Widmer (L) of 1.FSV Mainz 05 celebrates with teammates Anton Stach and Alexander Hack after scoring their side's first goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Borussia Mönchengladbach at MEWA Arena on November 05, 2021 in Mainz, Germany. |
"We have given up playing football in the second half," Neuhaus told DAZN. "Mainz scored a deserved equaliser in the end."
Nico Elvedi and Breel Embolo had already gone off injured for Gladbach, whose inconsistent season continued as they remain ninth when a win would have lifted them into fifth.
The spot is held by Mainz who will rue the fact they could well have entered the Champions League places on the basis of their second half display.
"It feels like two points," said Widmer. "The draw today is deserved.
"We were the more active team at times. We'll take the point (though) we had more power at the end."
Leaders Bayern Munich host third-place sensations Freiburg on Saturday before second-placed Borussia Dortmund visit last year's runners-up RB Leipzig in the late game.
