Mainz down Berlin in Bundesliga
Berlin, Feb 17 (IANS) Mainz returned to their winning ways after cruising past Hertha Berlin 2-0 in the opener of the 23rd round in Bundesliga football league.
The “Nullfuenfer” stopped their four-game losing streak as Robin Quaison scored twice to snatch all three points for a vital away win here on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.
Berlin assumed possession from the kick but Pal Dardai’s men lacked in ideas to overcome the Mainz bulwark.
The visitors meanwhile came to the first chance of the game when Emil Berggreen tested Berlin goalkeeper Rune Jarstein with 14 minutes played.
Mainz gained momentum and reaped their next chance as Quaison tried to overcome Jarstein by header eight minutes later.
However, Berlin’s goalkeeper was hapless before the break when Quaison netted a long-range effort to break the deadlock into the bottom left corner with 40 minutes into the game.
The hosts tried to make amendments but it were still the visitors who came to promising chances as but Quaison missed from close rang six minutes into the second half.
Sandro Schwarz’ men remained on the front foot meanwhile uninspired Berlin were unable to pose any threat. Mainz’ efforts paid off in the 65th minute as Quaison benefitted in Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s build up work to double the lead.
Berlin increased the pressure in the closing period but Mainz’ 2-0 victory was never really in doubt.
“We played very well today. We have implemented everything we had planned. After a difficult week we are satisfied and happy about our first away win,” Mainz head coach Sandro Schwarz said.
Despite the win, Mainz stay on the 16th place, which is a relegation spot, whereas Hertha Berlin continue on the 11th spot of the Bundesliga standings.