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Soccer
How Mainz have improved since previous meeting with Bayern
TL;DR
Mainz has significantly improved since their last match against Bayern, moving from last place to tenth in the Bundesliga. Under coach Urs Fischer, they have reduced goals conceded and are now eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Key points
- Mainz moved from last to tenth in the Bundesliga
- Under Urs Fischer, Mainz has reduced goals conceded
- They have only three defeats in 17 matches
- A win against Bayern could secure their top-flight status
- The last match ended in a 2-2 draw
Mentioned in this story
Urs FischerChristian Heidel
FSV Mainz 05FC Bayern MunichBundesliga
How Mainz have improved since previous meeting with Bayern
When 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Bayern last met five months ago, things looked quite different for Mainz. The Rhineland-Palatinate club had experienced a miserable campaign up to that point and travelled to Munich with six points from 13 matches, bottom of the table and having just parted company with coach Bo Henriksen. Urs Fischer made his debut in the 05ersâ dugout at the Allianz Arena and breathed new life into the relegation strugglers. Although stats provider Opta registered 24-5 shots on goal and a staggering 85 percent possession for the hosts, the Munich men needed a late penalty from Harry Kane to salvage a 2-2 draw against the tireless visitors (132.5 km distance run is the highest number this season).
That was already a first sign of what has played out over the last half-season. Fischer has got Mainz back on track with his calm manner. The Swiss has guided the team to tenth place with 28 points from 17 matches, which puts them in an impressive seventh place in this period. Having conceded 24 goals across the first 13 matchdays, the average goals conceded has fallen from 1.8 to 1.2 per game under his guidance. Whatâs more, the 60-year-old has overseen just three defeats in 17 Bundesliga games â only FC Bayern can better that in the same time frame (one defeat).
Theyâve gone from being five behind points the relegation play-off place to being eight points above it. A victory over Bayern on Saturday (15:30 CEST) could even secure Mainzâs top-flight status, should fail to beat Heidenheim at the same time. âThe team are solid, donât get thrown off course easily and that makes me optimistic,â said Mainzâs board member for sport Christian Heidel in a recent press conference, praising the coach. âWeâre optimally prepared for every opponent, he really goes through them with a fine tooth comb beforehand. That gives the team great assurance.â
Q&A
How has Mainz's performance changed since facing Bayern last time?
Mainz has improved from last place to tenth in the Bundesliga, with a notable reduction in goals conceded.
What impact has coach Urs Fischer had on Mainz's season?
Urs Fischer has led Mainz to only three defeats in 17 matches, significantly improving their overall performance.
What do Mainz need to secure their top-flight status against Bayern?
A victory over Bayern could secure Mainz's top-flight status, depending on the outcome of the St. Pauli vs. Heidenheim match.
What were the statistics from the last match between Mainz and Bayern?
In their last meeting, Bayern had 24 shots to Mainz's 5 and 85% possession, yet the match ended in a 2-2 draw.