Mainz draw rare home blank as Köln take a point

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1. FSV Mainz 05 failed to score on home soil for the first time this season as they were held to a goalless draw by 1. FC Köln.

1. FSV Mainz 05 0-0 1. FC Köln

- © gettyimages / Simon Hofmann

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Levin Öztunali stung the palms of Thomas Kessler with the first shot of the game, before Jairo Samperio gave the Köln custodian some more work to do two days after his 21st birthday. Köln attempted to take some of the sting out of their hosts by slowing the tempo of the game and safeguarding possession, while their vociferous fans did not even pause for breath as they roared their team on. Mainz's Danny Latza then flashed a volley wide just before the teams headed for a strategy rethink.

Kessler continued to thwart Mainz's advances early in the second half with notable saves from Pablo De Blasis, before the guests grew in confidence and looked to step up their attacking efforts. Jonas Lössl had little to do in the Mainz goal, however, and neither side could find the craft or creativity to forge a winner, with the spoils shared and Köln drawing for the fourth game in a row.