Mainz snatch last-gasp draw against Hertha

Mainz 1-1 Hertha
Goals: 0-1 Tousart 30' (assist: Ejuke), 1-1 Caci (90'+4)

Mainz went into the game knowing a win would lift them to third overnight, but a resurgent Hertha side refused to let them have things their own way. Having beaten Augsburg and drawn with Bayer Leverkusen in recent weeks, the Old Lady began on the front foot and frequently ventured into opposition territory. A tight game without any real chances sparked into life shortly before the half-hour mark when Chidera Ejuke arrowed a long-range strike just wide of the post. The 24-year-old was involved again moments later when he floated a cross from the left into the middle for Tousart to finish with a powerful header.

The home side showed greater attacking intent after the interval, with Suliman Mustapha replacing Angelo Fulgini, but they continued to feel the absence of injured star striker Jonathan Burkardt's nose for goal in the final third. Leandro Barreiro forced a save with a header from a corner with Mainz's first goal attempt of the game, while Karim Onisiwo delivered a teasing ball into the box that just needed a finishing touch. Mainz applied considerable pressure as they sought an equaliser in the closing stages and were rewarded for their perseverance in added time when Caci popped up at the back post to volley in a loose header and salvage a point for his side.

• Tousart scored his first goal of the season. Three of his four goals have put Hertha 1-0 up, and three have also been headers.
• Caci scored his first goal in Germany, having joined Mainz from Strasbourg this summer.
• Ejuke provided his second assist of the campaign, more than any other Hertha player.
• All seven of Hertha's goals this season have come from open play.
• Mainz conceded a header for the first time this season.
• Mainz are unbeaten in seven Bundesliga meetings with Hertha (W4, D3). Schwarz was head coach when they last lost to the Old Lady (2 March 2019).

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Mainz: Zentner - Fernandes (Da Costa 59'), Bell (Barkok 79'), Leitsch - Widmer (c), Kohr, Barreiro, Aaron (Caci 54') - Fulgini (Mustapha 46', Ingvartsen 79'), Lee - Onisiwo
Unused subs: Dahmen, Stach, Tauer, Bobzien
Out: Burkardt (foot), Hack (suspended)
Coach: Bo Svensson

Hertha: Christensen - Kenny, Uremovic, Kempf (Dardai 46'), Plattenhardt (c) (Mittelstädt 55') - Tousart, Sunjic, Boetius (Richter 72') - Lukebakio (Darida 72'), Kanga, Ejuke (Pekarik 83')
Unused subs: Kwasigroch, Boateng, Myziane, Jovetic
Out: Dong-jun Lee (knee), Gechter (tonsils), Jarstein (not considered), Ngankam (knee), Nsona (cruciate ligament), Scherhant (muscular), Selke (ill), Serdar (ill)
Coach: Sandro Schwarz