Nadiem Amiri's penalty double sees Mainz beat Augsburg to climb out of relegation zone
Mainz secured a vital 2-0 victory over Augsburg to make it three wins in a row, with Nadiem Amiri converting two penalties, lifting them out of the Bundesliga relegation places in the process.
Mainz 2-0 AugsburgGoals: 1-0 Amiri pen. 8’, 2-0 Amiri pen. 80’
The first half of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season was a struggle for both Mainz and Augsburg, who went into the winter break in precarious positions. However, both sides have shown remarkable improvement since the restart, with Mainz collecting 10 points from their previous five matches and Augsburg earning eight.
The hosts came into this carnival weekend fixture on the back of two consecutive victories, including an impressive win at RB Leipzig, while the visitors had also won their last two, most recently against St. Pauli, thanks to Michael Gregoritsch's brace. Something had to give as both sides looked to ease their relegation woes.
Amiri converts early penalty
The hosts, wearing their special carnival-themed kit, started brightly and were rewarded with an early breakthrough. In the 5th minute, a long throw from Danny da Costa caused havoc in the Augsburg penalty area, and when Stefan Bell went down under a challenge from Elvis Rexhbecaj, referee Patrick Ittrich pointed to the spot after consideration. Nadiem Amiri stepped up confidently in the 8th minute and hammered his penalty down the middle past Finn Dahmen to give Mainz the lead.
Augsburg responded well to going behind, with Alexis Claude-Maurice testing Daniel Batz twice from distance, while Mert Kömür went close in the 26th minute after cleverly rolling Bell, only to be denied by an alert Batz at his near post.
Batz keeps Augsburg at bay before second penalty seals it
The second half remained a largely even game as Silas Katompa Mvumpa almost doubled Mainz's lead shortly after the break, after being fed by Amiri.
Augsburg then grew into the game once more, but the Mainz defence held firm, with Batz making several important saves, including one from Kömür in the 77th minute after good work from Anton Kade.
Then, just one minute later, substitute Sheraldo Becker, making his debut for Mainz, set up Amiri, who was brought down in the box by Kade. Amiri stepped up again and slotted home his second penalty in the 80th minute, as Dahmen appeared to dive over the ball, securing all three points for the hosts.
Man of the Match: Nadiem Amiri
Nadiem Amiri delivered a match-winning performance for Mainz, converting both penalties with aplomb while also dictating play in midfield. The 29-year-old showed remarkable composure under pressure, especially with his second spot-kick, which effectively sealed the victory.
Beyond his goals, Amiri's overall play was impressive as he handled pressure well, escaping from tight situations 75% of the time when pressed by Augsburg players. His vision and passing were crucial to Mainz's attacking play, and he continually threatened the opposition defence throughout the match.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Mainz 2.22 - Augsburg 0.71
Fastest player: Robin Fellhauer (Augsburg), 34.62 km/h
Most pressed player: Alexis Claude-Maurice (Augsburg), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Daniel Batz (Mainz), +3.54
Fantasy Heroes: Nadiem Amiri (Mainz, 307 Points), Daniel Batz (Mainz, 227 Points), Kaishu Sano (Mainz, 207 Points)
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