Bayer Leverkusen maintained their pursuit of a top-four Bundesliga finish after salvaging a 1-1 draw at home against Mainz, extending their unbeaten streak in head-to-head clashes to six matches (W4, D2).
Following a disappointing 1-0 loss at Union Berlin last weekend, Leverkusen, buoyed by their UEFA Champions League playoff triumph, were eager to return to winning ways domestically.
Yet they faced a Mainz side in strong form under coach Fischer, who had collected 16 points from a possible 30.
The hosts started brightly, with Jonas Hofmann unleashing a fierce long-range effort that Mainz goalkeeper Daniel Batz managed to tip away.
Mainz threatened soon after when Paul Nebel’s low drive was blocked off the line by Leverkusen defenders after Phillip Tietz’s follow-up attempt.
Leverkusen dominated possession, controlling 70% of the ball in the first half, but struggled to break down Mainz’s disciplined defence.
Their first real shot on target came in the 43rd minute when Jarell Quansah’s attempt from inside the box was again blocked.
The second half saw little change until the hour mark, when Mainz made tactical substitutions.
Martin Terrier and Ibrahim Maza combined brilliantly to feed Patrik Schick, whose effort was spectacularly saved by Batz.
Despite controlling the game, Leverkusen were stunned by a swift Mainz counter-attack. After gathering a Leverkusen corner, Batz launched a long ball forward to Paul Nebel, who whipped in a cross that Sheraldo Becker volleyed expertly into the net.
Leverkusen responded with increased urgency in the final quarter of the match but were repeatedly frustrated by Mainz’s resolute defence.
Only in the 88th minute did they manage to salvage a point, when Christian Kofane’s penetration created space for Quansah, the centre-back, to tap in and secure a dramatic equalizer.
The draw keeps Leverkusen in sixth place, three points adrift of fourth-placed VfB Stuttgart, while Mainz inch further from the relegation playoff zone, remaining just three points above 17th-placed VfL Wolfsburg.
