Mainz Bounce Back, Deepen Heidenheim’s Crisis
Mainz, Germany – Inspired by the return of Jonathan Burkardt to the starting lineup, 1. FSV Mainz 05 climbed into Europa League contention and further exacerbated the woes of 1. FC Heidenheim. In a 2-0 victory at the Ostalb Arena, German international striker Burkardt shone as both goalscorer and provider, elevating Mainz to sixth place in the Bundesliga standings.
Burkardt, who made a substitute appearance in last weekend’s goalless draw against FC Augsburg, made his first start since recovering from a thigh injury. With his 13th Bundesliga goal of the season in the 29th minute and the assist for Nelson Weiper’s header in the 49th, he underlined his importance to the Rheinhessen. Mainz, under coach Bo Henriksen, ended their away struggles with the victory, having lost their previous three matches on the road.
Heidenheim failed to translate their momentum from their surprising 2-1 victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League at FC Copenhagen into points in their relegation battle. Their situation at the foot of the table and in the relegation play-off position becomes increasingly precarious. Hoffenheim’s victory in Bremen increased the gap to safety to seven points. Bochum also leveled on points with Heidenheim in 17th place after their win against Dortmund.
Heidenheim players visited the fan section before the match to express their gratitude for their continued support. "The fans have sent the message that they believe in the team, that they support them, and that everyone understands that we can only do this together," FCH coach Frank Schmidt told DAZN.
The hosts made the brighter start and sought to control the game. Mainz gradually found their rhythm after the first quarter-hour, but much of the action remained between the penalty areas. Both sides lacked clear-cut chances and the necessary precision in their combination play.
A counterattack involving winter signing Budu Siwsiwadse led to Mathias Honsak’s first noteworthy Heidenheim attempt in the 25th minute. Patrick Mainka, Heidenheim’s captain, also tested Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner with a long-range shot after the ensuing corner.
Schmidt made eight changes to his starting lineup compared to the European clash in Copenhagen, aiming for freshness in attack and stability in defense. Only the defensive trio of Mainka, Tim Siersleben, and Thomas Keller, who were instrumental in the Danish capital, remained unchanged.
For almost half an hour, the Heidenheim defense held firm. But then Burkardt struck. Anthony Caci’s cross was finished by the 24-year-old striker.
In Copenhagen, Heidenheim had turned around a halftime deficit against Copenhagen with a strong second-half display, putting themselves in a good position for the second leg on Thursday.
Against Mainz, however, they conceded a second goal early in the second half when Burkardt’s cross from the byline found Weiper. After an hour, Burkardt’s contribution to Matchday 22 was over. His team had already lost some steam by that point. Heidenheim failed to find a way past Zentner again, despite chances for Honsak and substitute Marvin Pieringer in the 74th and 89th minutes.
