1. FSV Mainz 05's Nicolai Müller (r.) battles with SC Freiburg's Oliver Sorg (l.) on the way to scoring during their 2-1 win in the Black Forest
1. FSV Mainz 05's Nicolai Müller (r.) battles with SC Freiburg's Oliver Sorg (l.) on the way to scoring during their 2-1 win in the Black Forest

Müller steers Mainz past Freiburg

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Freiburg - 1. FSV Mainz 05’s Nicolai Müller proved the difference for a second week running in their 2-1 victory over SC Freiburg.

Tuchel's tactics

Despite conceding the ball to Freiburg throughout the first period, Mainz soaked up the pressure well, reducing their opponents to just six shots on target, four of which came from distance.

Tuchel’s first-half tactics paid off when Niki Zimling scored the opening goal of the game after 65 minutes, nodding a header past Freiburg goalkeeper Oliver Baumann at the far post, before Müller made it 2-0 with a classy finish three minutes later.

A half-hearted Freiburg revival came courtesy of Sebastian Freis, but Tuchel’s side held their own to seal their second win, and Freiburg's second defeat, in as many games.

Line-ups and statistics