Thanks to a Nebel brace - Late drama seals crucial Mainz victory over Frankfurt | OneFootball

In a match packed with emotion, controversy, and late drama, Mainz 05 secured a vital 2-1 win over regional rivals Eintracht Frankfurt, boosting their hopes in the Bundesliga relegation battle.

Burkardt honoured in emotional pre-match moment

Before kick-off, the focus was on Jonathan Burkardt, now wearing Frankfurt colours, who was honoured for his outstanding time in Mainz. The striker made 144 appearances and scored 45 goals for the club, cementing his place as Mainz’s all-time top Bundesliga scorer.

Fast start: Nebel fires Mainz ahead

Mainz began brightly and applied early pressure. Their aggressive start paid off in the 6th minute when Paul Nebel found space on the right following a throw-in. His deflected effort looped over Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

At halftime, injured Mainz midfielder Nadiem Amiri praised the goalscorer: “I told him in training to shoot more often - now you can see what he’s capable of.”

Frankfurt hit back through Brown

Frankfurt responded well to the early setback and grew into the game. In the 20th minute, Burkardt’s turning effort was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly to Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, who squared the ball to Nathaniel Brown. The left-back, recently called up to the Germany national team, calmly finished to make it 1-1.

Both sides continued to create chances in an evenly contested first half before heading into the break level.

Frankfurt dominate after the break

The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Frankfurt largely in control. The visitors enjoyed the majority of possession and repeatedly carved out chances, only to be denied by an inspired Mainz goalkeeper Daniel Batz, who produced a string of outstanding saves.

Frankfurt then were dealt a blow when Nnamdi Collins was forced off injured, potentially putting his upcoming involvement with Germany’s U21 side in doubt.

VAR drama sparks controversy

A major talking point arrived in the 77th minute. Mainz forward Sheraldo Becker went down in the penalty area, and after VAR intervention, a spot-kick seemed likely. However, referee Tobias Stieler instead awarded a free-kick to Frankfurt, having identified a foul in the build-up by Mainz.

Late twist: Nebel strikes again

The decision appeared to galvanise Mainz, who suddenly found new energy late on. Becker came agonisingly close soon after, striking the inside of the post.

Then, in the 90th minute, the decisive moment arrived. A deep cross found Nelson Weiper, whose header was brilliantly saved by Zetterer. But the rebound fell straight to Nebel, who reacted quickest to fire home his second goal of the match and seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.

Mainz hold on for vital three points

Frankfurt pushed hard for a late equaliser, but Mainz held firm to secure three crucial points in their fight for survival.

Final score: Mainz 05 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt - a huge step forward for the hosts in the relegation battle.