Mainz bow out with comfortable win over Gabala
1. FSV Mainz 05 signed off from the UEFA Europa League with a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Azerbaijani side Gabala SC on Thursday evening.
1. FSV Mainz 05 2-0 Gabala SC
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Goals: 1-0 Hack (29'), 2-0 De Blasis (40')
Mainz went into the game knowing their Group C journey was already at an end for another season, but they began determined to give their fans at the Opel Arena something to cheer about. Martin Schmidt's men completely dominated the first half and after Fabian Frei went close to an opener, Alexander Hack broke the deadlock with a thumping finish following a corner. Pablo De Blasis gave the hosts some deserved breathing space at the break with a well-taken header at the back post.
The visitors offered greater resistance in the second half but never seriously threatened Mainz's goal. The hosts continued to attack at every opportunity but lacked the same incision they had shown before the break. It mattered little, however, on what was ultimately an impressive display in their final European match of the season.
