Original title: Bundesliga integration: Leipzig loses to Mainz, Cologne reverses Hertha Berlin
The first two matches of the first round of the 2021-2022 German Football League began on the 15th. Last season, the Bundesliga runner-up Leipzig lost 0:1 away to Mainz and Cologne defeated Hertha 3:1.
Mainz, who achieved his goal of relegation only after he changed coaches midway through last season, defeated Leipzig with an upset in this round of the game, and won the campaign due to a lack of personnel. More than 10 players on the Mainz team were quarantined this week due to the infection of players and assistant coaches with the new crown virus.
The Mainz soldiers, including two young players who staged their Bundesliga debut, were very motivated and completed a very threatening shot in just 6 minutes of the opening. This season’s newly joined South Korean international Lee Jae Sung received a diagonal pass from his teammates, fell to the ground and hit the goal and bounced back on the post. In the 13th minute, Mainz got a corner kick. Leipzig defender Mujere made a mistake. Mainz captain Niakette seized the opportunity and scored the only goal of the game.
Although Leipzig’s offensive threat increased in the second half, Mainz’s defense was solid and goalkeeper Zentner played well, ultimately leaving the victory at home.
Cologne’s new coach Baumgart ushered in a “good start” in the league. After conceding a goal, he led the team to a 3-1 victory over Hertha Berlin.
Hertha Berlin had a good start. Jovitic, who moved from Monaco in Ligue 1 this summer, scored his first Bundesliga goal in the 6th minute of a free kick. Subsequently, Cologne gradually reversed its weakness and continued to strengthen the threat on the offensive end. In the 41st minute, Tillman made a precise pass from the left. The French forward Modest, who had played in the Super League, scored a header to equalize the score. Cologne became more brave in the second half. Austrian player Keinz scored two goals in 3 minutes, making the team the ultimate victory. (Wei Qi)
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