Mainz put in a mature performance in Bielefeld. FSV benefited from DSC’s defensive lapses in a 2-1 win, but should have won by a much higher margin.
Bielefeld coach Frank Kramer made five changes to his starting line-up compared to the 2:3 defeat in the cup tie at FSV: de Medina, Laursen, Fernandes, Hack and Klos replaced Ramos, Wimmer, Czyborra, Okugawa and Krüger. FSV coach Bo Svensson, on the other hand, relied on exactly the same starting line-up.
The DSC started with a lot of pressure, Lasme forced Zentner to make a good save after only three minutes. Mainz, who were more defensive, lurked on the counterattack and came through for the first time in the 10th minute, when Onisiwo, who was always a troublemaker, missed a great chance to take the lead with his head.
The opponents met in the identical tactical system (3-3-2-2) with high intensity. Arminia were quick to find their way into the penalty area, but they were repeatedly thwarted by the solid defence of the visitors, who were the more mature and ball-secure team.
Lee takes advantage of Ortega Moreno’s slip-up
Unexcited combinations alternated with dangerous counterattacks for the 05ers – and a quick attack resulted in the lead: Lee’s feint sent Onisiwo on his way, who took aim from 16 metres out from the half-right. Ortega Moreno was unable to hold onto the ball and Lee was on hand to dust home from five metres – Bundesliga goal debut for the South Korean (25th).
Laursen punishes Mainz’s proliferation of chances
Bielefeld didn’t get beyond the rudiments, FSV had everything under control and could have, as well as should have, added to their tally against the home side’s often indisposed defence (Onisiwo, 32nd, 37th, Burkardt and Widmer on a double chance within seconds, 41st).
The equaliser for Kramer’s team was more than flattering: After Hack’s intervention against Klos, DSC’s penalty appeals fizzled out, but the attack continued and Laursen scored from 15 metres to make it 1-1 at the break (42nd).
Mainz also made too little of their opportunities after the restart: Boetius flicked a free-standing shot past the far corner from eleven metres (49th).
The DSC were able to keep the 05ers at bay a little better, but offensively the game of the hosts remained piecemeal, except for a Fernandes long-range shot (67th), which was brilliantly saved by Zentner.
Burkardt restores the lead
Midway through the second period, Burkardt turned up the heat – and after a friendly invitation from Pieper, whose back pass he interfered with, then ran free towards Ortega Morena and this time finished consistently, the U-21 international was able to celebrate for the 2-1 (69th).
Kramer reacted with a triple change (78th). However, the East Westphalians did not have a real chance to equalise despite the final offensive, Mainz were not to be rattled in defence and secured an absolutely deserved away win.
Arminia remain winless and stuck in the basement and make their next attempt at a first three-pointer next Saturday (3.30pm) in Stuttgart. The day before (20.30), Mainz host Borussia Mönchengladbach.
