Mainz 05 are enjoying a resurgence and at the heart of it is the revitalized form of midfielder Paul Nebel. After a period of uncertainty regarding his place in the starting eleven and speculation about a potential move, Nebel is proving to be a key figure for Urs Fischer’s side. A crucial goal in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Werder Bremen underscored his importance as Mainz climb further away from the Bundesliga relegation zone.
The match at Bremen marked the fourth consecutive appearance for Nebel, including the Conference League fixture against Sigma Olomouc, where he played at least until the second half. His contributions have been noticeable in recent Bundesliga matches against Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart, but against Werder Bremen, he made his mark as the scorer of the opening goal.
“Paul answered the questions about his form on the pitch,” said Fischer after the game, as reported by FAZ. “He was angry when he wasn’t playing, and that’s what I expect from a Bundesliga player. But when he gets the opportunity, he has to explode, and he’s doing that incredibly well at the moment.” Fischer was particularly impressed with the manner of the goal, describing it as a “flying header” and reminiscing about a technique that was once common practice. “A flying header! An exceptional goal. We used to practice that in my day. But who does that anymore?”
The breakthrough came in the 6th minute, stemming from Mainz’s first attack of the game. Phillipp Mwene delivered a pinpoint cross from the left flank, met by Nebel with a spectacular diving header that left Bremen goalkeeper Michael Zetterer with no chance. The goal, a testament to Nebel’s determination and aerial ability, set the tone for the match.
Werder Bremen responded quickly, with Leonardo Bittencourt heading against the crossbar just minutes later. Despite controlling possession for large stretches of the game, Bremen struggled to break down Mainz’s organized defense. Cameron Puertas looked the most likely to create opportunities for the hosts, but Mainz remained resolute.
Mainz extended their lead in the 52nd minute through Jae-sung Lee, who inadvertently turned in a cross from Sheraldo Becker. While not a textbook finish, the goal doubled Mainz’s advantage and further solidified their control of the match.
Beyond Nebel’s goal, the performance of Kaishu Sano as well drew praise. Danny da Costa playfully referred to Sano as “by far the best player in the world” in the mixed zone after the match. Sano’s crucial interception in midfield initiated the attack that led to Becker’s assist for Lee’s goal, demonstrating his growing influence on the team. Sano had previously struggled to replicate his form from the previous season, but is now returning to his best.
“Kaishu has been important not just since today, but since I arrived in Mainz,” Fischer explained. “He closes so many gaps, he has good positioning, and his play with the ball has improved. He’s starting to take risks.” Fischer also highlighted Sano’s composure under pressure, a quality particularly valuable in matches like the one against Bremen.
Da Costa emphasized Sano’s instinctive understanding of the game, despite the ongoing language barrier. “He just instinctively does so many things right.”
The victory wasn’t without its imperfections. Fischer admitted he wasn’t pleased with his team’s overly defensive approach after taking a two-goal lead. “That was too defensive for my liking, we were too passive, Werder pressed, and we hardly had any relief,” he said, describing it as a “dirty win.” However, he acknowledged that “the boys did well.”
The three points were crucial for Mainz, lifting them to 13th in the Bundesliga table, six points clear of the relegation places. The team’s collective effort, highlighted by Da Costa, was evident in their willingness to operate hard and support each other. The gesture of Nebel celebrating his goal by displaying the jersey of the injured Silas, who is recovering from a shin and calf fracture, further exemplified the team’s unity. Da Costa also mentioned the support from Benedict Hollerbach, who is also sidelined with an injury, sending messages to the team before each game.
This win for Mainz 05 represents a significant step in their fight for Bundesliga survival. The resurgence of Paul Nebel, coupled with the consistent performances of players like Sano and the team’s overall commitment, provides a solid foundation for the remaining nine matches of the season.
Mainz 05 will next face Borussia Mönchengladbach at the MEWA ARENA on Saturday, March 20th. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 PM local time (CET), which is 9:30 AM Eastern Time (ET). This fixture will be another important test for Mainz as they look to continue their climb up the Bundesliga table.
What are your thoughts on Mainz 05’s recent form? Share your opinions in the comments below!
