The draw between the two big clubs from Rhineland-Palatinate in aid of local residents damaged by the flood disaster in mid-July raised 150,000 euros. The third-division club tanked on self-confidence and the Bundesliga side tested an unusual option in defence.
Near the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz, there was unanimity: the consequences of the flood disaster in the Ahr valley should not be allowed to disappear from the public’s focus, emphasised the club bosses of 1. FSV Mainz 05 and 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Stefan Hofmann and Dr. Markus Merk. At the charity match (1:1) of the two largest football clubs in Rhineland-Palatinate, the focus was therefore on solidarity – especially as Mainz defender Stefan Bell is a player from the Ahr Valley, which was particularly hard hit. A total of around 150,000 euros was raised, which will go to the “Deutschland hilft” campaign – an association of German aid organisations. “A great sign,” said Bell about the sum, and FCK captain Jean Zimmer summed up: “That such a sum comes out is outstanding. It was a successful day all round.”
The 1,500 spectators at the venue were treated to an easy-going match between the Bundesliga side and the third-division team. After a one-two pass through Dominik Kohr and Marcus Ingvartsen, the opening goal was scored by senior Danny Schmidt (23rd minute) and the game developed into an entertaining final phase. First Elias Huth scored the equaliser (88th), then FSV keeper Finn Dahmen cleared a Lauter attack outside the penalty area with his hand and was shown the red card (90th).
Nullfive without three centre-backs
“We’re a little bit down in terms of personnel, but it was about something important,” said Mainz coach Bo Svensson, who was missing three centre-backs: Alexander Hack (COVID-19), Jeremiah St. Juste (shoulder injury) and Moussa Niakhaté, whom he was resting after recovering from a thigh injury despite his brief comeback against Union Berlin (1:2). Instead, left-back Anderson Lucoqui played alongside Bell in the centre of defence. “I’m glad that nobody got injured,” Svensson summed up.
Zimmer naturally took a more positive view of the test after the cup defeat in Mechtersheim last week. “We did well against a Bundesliga team. It was a successful test for us,” praised the 27-year-old. His coach Marco Antwerpen judged it a “respectable game” and a “fair 1:1”. Positive conclusions throughout, which Mainz boss Stefan Hofmann summed up well on SWR: “A successful day all round. A comparison between the two big football clubs in Rhineland-Palatinate, which definitely have rival fan groups. It was also very communal. That’s how I would have liked the day to be, and that’s how it was. “
