Darmstadt will probably have to plan for the 2nd Bundesliga: there was a defeat against their direct competitor for relegation, FSV Mainz. Andreas Hanche-Olsen (32′) scored before the break, later Brajan Gruda (60′) and Jae-sung Lee scored twice (80′, 84′). Mainz won 4-0 (1-0) and can continue to hope. The “Lilien” remain bottom of the Bundesliga table.
In bright sunshine in front of 33,000 fans, the Zero Fives remain unbeaten in the third game in a row and have now secured the relegation place with 23 points. “We showed a very good performance. I’m very proud of my team for giving it their all for 90 minutes,” said Mainz coach Bo Henriksen on the Sportschau microphone.
Darmstadt, on the other hand, did not win in the 21st attempt in a row, and with six game days before the end of the season, the promoted team’s relegation is getting closer and closer.
To the live ticker: Mainz – Darmstadt arrow right 28th matchday arrow right
Darmstadt with an early chance to score
The game began with a top-class chance from Darmstadt native Jonathan Burkardt. The Mainz striker, who met his former club in a competitive game for the first time, was denied by Lilien keeper Marcel Schuhen (5th).
Both teams tried to set the needle right from the start. The Mainz team did this better, often outplaying their high-pressing opponents and repeatedly closing in on the visitors’ goal.
Mainz: First goal of the season for Hanche-Olsen
The lively flow died down in the middle of the first half, a sharp free kick from Nadiem Amiri (29th) was the exception. But then another free kick from the Leverkusen loanee gave Mainz the half-time lead: Amiri’s cross found its way to Hanche via Lee -Olsen, who scored his first goal of the season from close range.
With their backs against the wall, Lieberknecht made a change in the second half and brought in two new offensive forces in Aaron Seydel and Gerrit Holtmann. Although the bottom team made an effort, there were no compelling opportunities.
Mainz clever, Darmstadt desolat
Mainz acted cleverly defensively – and followed up after a mistake by the Darmstadt defense. Burkardt intercepted a catastrophic back pass from Bartol Franjic and fed Gruda, the home-grown player hit the ball into the corner with his left. The lilies remained harmless, Lee made everything clear.
Mainz against Hoffenheim, Darmstadt against Freiburg
Darmstadt awaits SC Freiburg next Sunday (April 14, 2024, 3:30 p.m.). Mainz plays against Hoffenheim the day before (April 13, 2024, 3:30 p.m.).