Mainz seal derby win over Frankfurt | OneFootball

Paul Nebel's late strike secures Rhine-Main derby victory for Mainz against Frankfurt

Mainz winger Paul Nebel was the hero as he scored both goals for the home side, including a dramatic 89th-minute winner. The victory moves Mainz nine points clear of the relegation places.

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Mainz 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt

Goals: 1-0 Nebel 6’ (assist: Becker), 1-1 Brown 20’ (assist: Bahoya), 2-1 Nebel 89’ (assist: Weiper)

Mainz continued their impressive form under Urs Fischer with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Rhine-Main derby. The 05ers have lost just two of 13 Bundesliga games under Fischer, collecting 21 points that have lifted them away from the relegation zone.

Fresh from their midweek Conference League success against Sigma Olomouc, Mainz made just one change, with Sheraldo Becker replacing Nelson Weiper. Frankfurt, who have kept clean sheets in four of their six matches under new coach Albert Riera, were missing suspended defender Robin Koch, with Arthur Theate captaining the side.

Nebel puts Mainz ahead in the sixth minute with a shot that deflects off Frankfurt defender Arthur Theate past goalkeeper Michael Zetterer. (IMAGO/osnapix / Marcus Hirnschal)

Early breakthrough for hosts

The hosts made a blistering start and took the lead after just six minutes. Becker found Paul Nebel in space, and the Mainz winger's shot from inside the box took a wicked deflection off Theate to beat Michael Zetterer in the Frankfurt goal.

The visitors responded well to the early setback and found an equaliser in the 20th minute when Jean-Mattéo Bahoya broke down the left and delivered a perfect cross for Nathaniel Brown to finish from close range against his former club.

Brown celebrates with his Frankfurt teammates after equalising in the first half. (IMAGO/Jan Huebner)

Chances at both ends

Mainz came close to regaining the lead when Kaishu Sano fired just wide from the edge of the box following a corner. The hosts had an even better opportunity in the 37th minute when Sano won possession and fed Becker, who was denied by an excellent save from Zetterer.

Frankfurt threatened just before half-time when Chaïbi's corner found Theate, whose header was well saved by Daniel Batz. The away side controlled possession after the break but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised Mainz defence. Batz was called into action again to deny Chaïbi's powerful header that struck the crossbar on 61 minutes.

Arnaud Kalimuendo of Frankfurt battles with Dominik Kohr of Mainz during an intense physical contest at the MEWA Arena. (IMAGO/Gerhard Schultheiß)

Late drama decides derby

As the match appeared to be heading for a draw, both sides had chances to find a winner. Becker was desperately unlucky not to score for Mainz in the 84th minute when his left-footed effort struck both posts before bouncing to safety.

But the home side weren't to be denied, and with just one minute of normal time remaining, they found a dramatic winner. Nelson Weiper's header from a cross was brilliantly saved by Zetterer, but Nebel was in the perfect position to slam home the rebound and send the MEWA Arena into raptures. Despite eight minutes of added time, Frankfurt couldn't find an equaliser as Mainz held on for a precious derby victory.

Player of the Match: Paul Nebel

The 21-year-old winger produced a match-winning performance for Mainz, scoring both goals in their crucial 2-1 victory. Nebel showed his predatory instincts for the opener, his shot taking a fortunate deflection, and was in the right place at the right time to convert the rebound for his dramatic late winner.

Beyond his goals, Nebel was a constant threat with his movement and direct running, registering three shots on target in total. He also covered an impressive 13km during the match - more than any other player on the pitch. The home-grown talent's brace moved Mainz nine points clear of the relegation zone and earned him a well-deserved Player of the Match award.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Mainz 1.55 - Frankfurt 1.2Fastest player: Jean-Mattéo Bahoya (Frankfurt), 33.83 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-0 by Paul Nebel (Mainz), 9.7 per centMost pressed player: Arnaud Kalimuendo (Frankfurt), 19 times under pressurePass efficiency: Farès Chaïbi (Frankfurt), +2.8

Fantasy Heroes: Paul Nebel (Mainz 05, 369 Points), Daniel Batz (Mainz, 201 Points), Michael Zetterer (Frankfurt, 201 Points)

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