Phillip Tietz double gives Mainz third straight league win at Hoffenheim
Phillip Tietz scored twice as Mainz continued their remarkable revival under Urs Fischer with a 2-1 win at Hoffenheim, whose UEFA Champions League hopes took another dent.
Hoffenheim 1-2 MainzGoals: 0-1 Tietz 13’ (assist: Mwene), 1-1 Asllani 23’ (assist: Toure), 1-2 Tietz 79’ (assist: Mwene)
Hoffenheim came into this fixture looking to bounce back from a heavy 5-0 defeat at RB Leipzig that had seen them drop out of the Champions League places. Christian Ilzer made just one change to his side, with Albian Hajdari replacing Robin Hranáč in defence.
Meanwhile, Mainz arrived in excellent form under Urs Fischer, having lost only two of their last 14 matches to climb to their highest position of the season in 11th. The visitors named an unchanged starting line-up for the fourth consecutive match, seeking to extend their five-game unbeaten run in the league.
Tietz opens scoring before Asllani levels
Mainz struck first in the 13th minute when Phillipp Mwene delivered an excellent cross from the left, and Tietz rose highest to head past Oliver Baumann.
Hoffenheim responded well and found an equaliser 10 minutes later through Fisnik Asllani, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the roof of the net after Bazoumana Touré had charged down a clearance.
The hosts were the better side after the equaliser, but struggled to create any clear-cut chances as Mainz remained a threat on the break. Jae-sung Lee had arguably the best chance to give Mainz the lead just two minutes after Asllani's equaliser, but he could only head straight at Baumann from Paul Nebel's cross.
Tietz strikes again to secure victory
Mainz made a bright start to the second half, with Stefan Posch missing a good opportunity in the opening minutes as both sides largely cancelled each other out.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Mwene once again provided the cross, and though Baumann saved Tietz's initial header, the striker reacted quickest to hammer home the rebound.
Hoffenheim came agonisingly close to equalising just two minutes later when Wouter Burger struck the post with an effort from distance, but Mainz held firm to move nine points clear of the relegation zone.
Man of the Match: Phillip Tietz
Tietz was the undisputed star of the show, scoring both goals to lead Mainz to victory. His aerial ability was evident throughout, particularly for the opening goal, where he rose superbly to meet Mwene's cross.
The striker showed excellent predatory instincts for his second, reacting quickly to pounce on the rebound after Baumann saved his initial header. With four shots in total and having won several important duels, Tietz fully deserved his Man of the Match accolade, amassing the highest Fantasy points total (385) of any player on the pitch.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Hoffenheim 1.13 - Mainz 0.86
Fastest player: Sheraldo Becker (Mainz), 34.46 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-1 by Fisnik Asllani (Hoffenheim), 4.8 per cent
Most pressed player: Tim Lemperle (Hoffenheim), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Wouter Burger (Hoffenheim), +3.69
Fantasy Heroes: Phillip Tietz (Mainz, 385 Points), Phillipp Mwene (Mainz, 298 Points), Daniel Batz (Mainz, 272 Points)
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