England's Jarell Quansah rescues point for Bayer Leverkusen against Mainz
Jarell Quansah scored a late equaliser as top-four hopefuls Bayer Leverkusen denied Mainz a big three points in their battle to beat the drop.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Mainz Goals: 0-1 Becker 67' (assist: Nebel), 1-1 Quansah 88' (assist: Kofane)
Kasper Hjulmand's Leverkusen side had endured mixed fortunes in 2026, winning just three of their seven league matches since the winter break, but came into this fixture buoyed by progression to the UEFA Champions League last 16. Mainz, under Urs Fischer's guidance since Matchday 14, had quietly accumulated the same number of points (16) as their hosts over the last 10 matches, despite having to cope without key goalscorer Nadiem Amiri, who was sidelined with a heel injury for this match after contributing 10 goals already this season.
Goalless first half
The visitors started brightly with Phillip Tietz testing Janis Blaswich within the opening minute. Jonas Hofmann responded with Leverkusen's first attempt from distance, but Daniel Batz wasn't seriously troubled. Sheraldo Becker, making his first Bundesliga start since December 2023, demonstrated his threat with a left-footed effort that Blaswich saved comfortably.
As the half progressed, Leverkusen asserted more control but struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Mainz continued to look dangerous on the break, with Paul Nebel forcing an impressive save from Blaswich in the 18th minute. The hosts suffered a significant blow late in the half when Arthur collapsed in agony after his studs caught in the turf, requiring the defender to be stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious injury.
Becker brilliance gives Mainz the lead
Hjulmand introduced Axel Tape for the injured Arthur at half-time, but neither side could immediately break the deadlock in an evenly matched contest. The Leverkusen coach made a double change on the hour mark, bringing on Ibrahim Maza and Martin Terrier to inject fresh energy into his attack. The substitutions nearly paid immediate dividends when Terrier set up Patrik Schick, whose shot was well saved by Batz.
However, it was Mainz who struck first with a textbook counter-attack in the 67th minute. Batz launched the move with a long kick to Nebel on the right wing, whose perfectly measured cross found Becker. The forward executed a sublime right-footed volley from 15 yards that flew past Blaswich at 90km/h, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Quansah strikes late to rescue Leverkusen
With the lead secured, Fischer immediately replaced goalscorer Becker with Silas Katompa Mvumpa. Mainz could have doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute when Tietz found himself with only Blaswich to beat, but the goalkeeper made a crucial save.
As the clock ticked down, Leverkusen increased the pressure but struggled to break through Mainz's well-organised defense. The hosts' persistence was finally rewarded just two minutes from time when Schick helped Aleix García's pass into the path of substitute Christian Kofane, who broke clear before finding Quansah. The defender slid in to guide his left-footed finish beyond Batz from just under 10 yards, sparking jubilant celebrations around the BayArena.
Leverkusen stay just outside the top four ahead of their rescheduled Matchday 17 fixture with Hamburg on 4 March, while Mainz have a slender one-point buffer on the relegation zone with 10 games to go.
Man of the Match: Sheraldo Becker
Becker delivered a performance worthy of his Man of the Match award, receiving 58% of the vote. Making his first Bundesliga start for Mainz since joining in January, the forward provided a constant threat with his pace and movement. His spectacular volleyed finish showed remarkable technique, connecting perfectly with Nebel's cross to give Mainz the lead with a goal that had just an 18% probability of being scored according to xG data.
Though his evening ended after 69 minutes when he was substituted for Silas, Becker's contribution nearly secured all three points for the visitors, and his clinical finishing justified Fischer's decision to include him in the starting line-up.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 0.84 - Mainz 0.76
Fastest player: Jarell Quansah (B04), 35.08 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Sheraldo Becker (M05), 18 percent
Most pressed player: Phillip Tietz (M05), 25 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Alejandro Grimaldo (B04), +2.86
Fantasy Heroes: Jarell Quansah (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 391 Points), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 357 Points), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 251 Points)
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