Super sub Jae-Sung Lee inspires Mainz to crucial win over St. Pauli
Mainz edged past a stubborn St. Pauli to bag a crucial 2-0 victory on Matchday 23. Second-half substitute Jae-sung Lee scored and assisted in a victory that strengthens Mainz's push for European qualification.
Mainz 2-0 St. Pauli
Goals: 1-0 Lee 67’, 2-0 Nebel 90+5’ (assist: Lee)
With a carnival spirit in the air, the MEWA Arena was buzzing with anticipation as Mainz welcomed St. Pauli for a crucial Bundesliga clash. With European aspirations on the line for the hosts and the visitors looking to boost their survival ambitions, the stage was set for an enthralling encounter. Mainz, buoyed by their recent form, faced a Pauli side known for their stubborn defence. The home side's manager, Bo Henriksen, emphasised the importance of giving '100 percent every single weekend', while the visitors' Alexander Blessin was absent due to suspension.
St. Pauli threaten early
The match kicked off with St. Pauli showing no signs of being overawed by their hosts. In the sixth minute, Noah Weißhaupt came agonisingly close to giving the visitors a dream start, his effort striking the woodwork and sending shockwaves through the Mainz defence. The Kiezkickers continued to press, with Johannes Eggestein forcing a brilliant save from Robin Zentner in the 15th minute. Mainz, despite enjoying more possession, struggled to create clear-cut chances against St. Pauli's well-organised defence.
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Intensity rises
As the first half progressed, the match intensified with both teams receiving yellow cards. Kaishu Sano was booked for Mainz in the 18th minute, followed by Philipp Treu for St. Pauli in the 24th. A moment of controversy arose in the 21st minute when the referee initially awarded a penalty to St. Pauli, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned. The visitors continued to look dangerous, with Weißhaupt again testing Zentner in the 36th minute. Despite St. Pauli's pressure, Mainz's defence held firm, with Anthony Caci coming close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time. The teams went into the break goalless, but the match was finely poised.
Lee changes the game
Henriksen made a tactical change at half-time, bringing on Lee for Nelson Weiper. The substitution proved to be a masterstroke. After a period of sustained Mainz pressure, Lee broke the deadlock in the 67th minute. Nadiem Amiri's powerful shot was parried by Nikola Vasilj, but Lee was quickest to react, deftly chipping the ball over the St. Pauli keeper to send the stands into raptures.
St. Pauli push for equaliser
St. Pauli refused to lie down, pushing hard for an equaliser. Jackson Irvine came close in the 78th minute, heading just over from a Weißhaupt cross. The visitors continued to press, with Eggestein narrowly missing the target in the 82nd minute. Mainz, however, defended resolutely, with Zentner commanding his area and the back line holding firm under pressure. As the match entered its final stages, St. Pauli threw everything forward, leaving themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks. It's worth noting that Dominik Kohr, making his 300th Bundesliga appearance, received a yellow card in the 50th minute, which will see him suspended for Mainz's next match.
Nebel seals the deal
Just as it seemed Mainz would just drag themselves over the line, Paul Nebel struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal the victory. Lee turned provider this time, setting up Nebel who calmly slotted past Vasilj to make it 2-0. The goal was a fitting end to a match that showcased Mainz's resilience and clinical finishing. The final whistle blew shortly after, confirming a crucial victory for Mainz in their quest for European football.
Player of the Match: Jae-sung Lee
Lee's impact on this match cannot be overstated. Introduced at half-time, the South Korea international changed the complexion of the game with his energy and intelligence. His goal, coming from a high xG chance of 0.6334, demonstrated his predatory instincts and ability to be in the right place at the right time. Lee's contribution wasn't limited to scoring; his assist for Nebel's goal showcased his vision and unselfishness. In just 45 minutes of play, Lee proved to be the difference-maker Mainz needed to secure a vital three points.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Mainz 1.32 - St. Pauli 0.83
Fastest player: Noah Weißhaupt (St. Pauli), 33.11 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by Paul Nebel (Mainz), 42.66 percent
Most pressed player: Paul Nebel (Mainz), 23 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Phillipp Mwene (Mainz), +1.91
Fantasy Heroes: Anthony Caci (Mainz, 353 Points), Danny da Costa (Mainz, 316 Points), Jae-sung Lee (Mainz, 220 Points)
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