Last-gasp Mainz penalty extends Gladbach's winless run

Borussia Mönchengladbach missed the chance to go level on points with Mainz after decisive last kick of the game.

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With only three points separating the sides, the hosts knew a win would put them level on points with Mainz. After a lively start to the game, Eugen Polanski’s side laid the platform for that with a brilliant finish from Joe Scally.

The USMNT international scored from the edge of the box for his first goal since the opening game of the year against Augsburg. Sheraldo Becker and Nadiem Amiri, who started for the first time since returning from an ankle injury, had Mainz’s better chances in the first-half with deflected shots.

However, it was Daniel Batz who made the first big save of the night before Moritz Nicolas. The Mainz custodian stood his ground to deny Jens Castrop early after the restart. The hosts continued to search for the insurance goal as their departing captain, Rocco Reitz, next to test Batz.

Nicolas’ first save of the second-half came from yet another deflected effort from Paul Nebel. A couple of minutes later, Phillip Tietz squandered Mainz’s best chance for an equalizing goal when his header from Anthony Caci’s pinpoint cross missed the target.

The striker found the target with his next attempt, but it was rather a weak shot from distance. Mainz managed to increase the pressure as the later stage of the game was exclusively played in one half of the pitch. However, they were unfortunate as Nelson Weiper’s goal was chalked off for an offside in the 88th minute. There was still more time for drama as Mainz handed a 96th minute penalty-kick, which was calmly converted by Amiri.

The last-gasp strike extended Gladbach’s winless run to four games, while Mainz avoided a third defeat in a week. Both teams will play on Saturday Konferenz time next weekend as Mainz host the champions Bayern, while Gladbach travel to relegation-threatened Wolfsburg.