Alejandro Grimaldo's double helps Bayer Leverkusen edge seven-goal thriller against Mainz
Bayer Leverkusen continued their unbeaten away run with a thrilling 4-3 win at Mainz, with Alejandro Grimaldo scoring twice and late goals from Martin Terrier and Armindo Sieb keeping fans on edge until the final whistle.
Mainz 3-4 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 0-1 Grimaldo 11’ (pen.), 0-2 Kofane 24’ (assist: Poku), 1-2 Lee 34’, 1-3 Grimaldo (assist: Hofmann), 2-3 Amiri 71’ (pen.), 2-4 Terrier 87’, 3-4 Sieb 90’ (assist: Amiri)
Kasper Hjulmand returned to face his former club as Leverkusen manager, having previously coached Mainz from July 2014 to February 2015. The visitors arrived in confident mood, unbeaten in six competitive matches under their new Danish coach, while the hosts were desperate to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Leverkusen take control
The visitors dominated the early exchanges, bossing possession and creating the first clear chance when Jonas Hofmann's curling effort was brilliantly saved by Lasse Rieß. Leverkusen's pressure told in the 11th minute when Hofmann was tripped in the box by Nikolas Veratschnig, allowing Grimaldo to hammer home from the spot.
The away side doubled their advantage in the 24th minute when Christian Kofane applied an emphatic finish following some slick one-touch passing around the Mainz box. The hosts grew into the game as the half progressed and pulled one back in the 34th minute when Jae-sung Lee capitalised on poor Leverkusen defending from a long throw to smash home from close range.
Paul Nebel almost equalised with a cross that struck the crossbar, but instead it was Leverkusen who scored again in stoppage time, Grimaldo finishing coolly after Mainz gave the ball away playing out from the back.
Thrilling finish
Leverkusen maintained control after the break, with Grimaldo nearly completing his hat-trick with a shot that fizzed wide. Kofane squandered several opportunities to extend the lead, and Mainz were handed a lifeline in the 71st minute when Arthur fouled Phillipp Mwene in the box.
Nadiem Amiri calmly beat Mark Flekken to reduce the deficit to 3-2. The goal energised the hosts, who pushed forward with renewed belief as the crowd got behind them. However, Leverkusen delivered what appeared to be the knockout blow in the 87th minute when substitute Terrier, making his first appearance in almost 10 months after an Achilles injury, smashed home after his initial effort was blocked.
Mainz refused to surrender and pulled another goal back in the 90th minute through substitute Sieb, who curled a fine finish past Flekken after being set up by Amiri. Despite eight minutes of added time, Leverkusen held firm to secure all three points.
Player of the Match: Alejandro Grimaldo
The Spanish defender was the standout performer, netting twice from clinical finishes to help secure Leverkusen's victory. His first goal came from a confidently taken penalty, striking the ball with pace and precision beyond the reach of Rieß.
His second strike, coming at a crucial moment just before half-time, showcased his composure as he coolly clipped the ball into the net after Mainz surrendered possession.
Beyond his goals, Grimaldo was a constant threat down the left flank, creating chances for teammates and nearly completing his hat-trick early in the second half. His all-round performance earned him a deserved player of the match award with 494 fantasy points, cementing his status as one of Leverkusen's key players under Hjulmand.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Mainz 2.15 - Leverkusen 3.3
Fastest player: Arthur (Leverkusen), 34.92 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-2 by Christian Kofane (Leverkusen), 8.59 percent
Most pressed player: Ernest Poku (Leverkusen), 25 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Ernest Poku (Leverkusen), +2.27
Fantasy Heroes: Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen, 494 Points), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz, 329 Points), Christian Kofane (Leverkusen, 298 Points)
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