The return of Sandro Schwarz to his old place of work ended sobering for the Hertha coach. A goal in added time robbed the Berliners of victory late on.
Hertha got off to a better start on Friday evening (September 16, 2022) and were able to establish themselves in the Mainz half in the first quarter of an hour. In this phase, Mainz had difficulties overplaying the pressing of the capital city. However, Hertha did not have any significant scoring chances either.
This developed into a very intense game in which the guests had the better chances to score. The result was the well-deserved 1-0 for the Berliners through Lucas Tousart, who headed in from around seven meters (30′). Berlin’s Ejuke had previously accepted a short defense from Mainz defender Maxim Leitsch in the penalty area and was able to cross unhindered.
Hertha game-determining, Mainz without ideas
Even after the opening goal, Hertha remained the more dangerous team. The strong Ejuke forced the Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner to make a strong save with a long-range shot (41st). Overall, the too harmless 05er could not complain about the gap at the break. “The first half was unforgettable from our side. Not only in terms of play, but also in terms of attitude,” Mainz coach Bo Svensson thought so too.
In the second half, Mainz initially showed a different face. The Rheinhessen came out of the break with momentum and put Hertha under pressure earlier. Great chances remained scarce and the Black Elf was able to survive the pressure phase unscathed.
Caci lets Mainz cheer late
As a result, Mainz struggled to appear offensively again. But a lack of inventiveness and a lack of precision ended the attacks before real danger could arise. In addition, Hertha was the stronger team that evening.
And yet the 05ers still had one last chance: Jae-sung Lee crossed the ball into the penalty area in the last minute of injury time, the Berliners couldn’t get the ball away – and Anthony Caci was able to accommodate a rebound from close range in the goal (90th minute). .+4). The happy team from Mainz cheered about the late point win, but Hertha had given up the seemingly certain victory. “We’re playing against a very, very good opponent. But of course it doesn’t feel good at the moment when you get the equalizer in the last action,” said Sandro Schwarz.
Mainz in Freiburg, Hertha welcomes Hoffenheim
FSV meets SC Freiburg away on Matchday 8 (Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.). A day later, Hertha is challenged at home against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (3:30 p.m.).