Bundesliga
Mainz secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Hoffenheim thanks to a Jonathan Burkardt first half brace. The home side's high-energy performance and counter-pressing tactics ultimately proved too much for the visitors to handle.
Mainz 2-0 Hoffenheim
Goals: 1-0 Burkardt 4‘ (assist: Lee), 2-0 Burkardt 24’ (assist: Nebel)
The hosts, buoyed by their recent form, were looking to continue their winning streak to three consecutive victories, while Hoffenheim, under new manager Christian Ilzer, aimed to build on their thrilling 4-3 victory against RB Leipzig. Mainz's coach, Bo Henriksen, emphasised the importance of solid defending and high-intensity as his team produced an energetic display.
Mainz wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Burkardt opening the scoring as early as the 4th minute. A brilliant team move saw Dominik Kohr find Jae-sung Lee on the byline, the latter whipping in a low cross for Burkardt to finish at the back post. The early goal energized the home side, and they continued to press Hoffenheim relentlessly. Burkardt wasn't done yet, and in the 24th minute, he scored his second, doubling Mainz's lead and sending the MEWA Arena into raptures.
After falling behind, Hoffenheim struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their best opportunity of the first half fell to Jacob Bruun Larsen, who fired wide from close range. Mainz's high-energy pressing continued to cause problems for the visitors, with Mwene and Nadiem Amiri both coming close to extending the lead. Oliver Baumann in the Hoffenheim goal was kept busy, making several crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
The second half saw Hoffenheim try to find a way back into the match, with Valentin Gendrey replacing Kadeřábek. However, Mainz's well-organized defence held firm.
The home side continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack, with Burkardt and Lee causing problems for the Hoffenheim backline. Hoffenheim's first shot on target came in the 66th minute, when Adam Hložek's effort was comfortably saved by Robin Zentner.
As the game wore on, Mainz were content to control possession and see out their well-deserved victory, while Hoffenheim introduced Max Moerstedt and David Jurásek in an attempt to change the game's dynamics, but to no avail.
Burkardt was the standout performer, delivering a masterclass in finishing and all-round play. His two goals were the difference, but his contribution went beyond just scoring.
Burkardt's movement, hold-up play, and work rate were instrumental in Mainz's dominant performance. He consistently troubled the Hoffenheim defence, creating space for his teammates and leading the press from the front. With five shots, including two on target, his brace - which included one of the goals of the season so far - demonstrated why he's become one of Mainz's key players this season.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Mainz 2.84 - Hoffenheim 0.98
Fastest player: Jacob Bruun Larsen (Hoffenheim), 32.51 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by Jonathan Burkardt (Mainz), 7 percent
Most pressed player: Jae-sung Lee (Mainz), 27 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Kaishu Sano (Mainz), +3.82
Fantasy Heroes: Jonathan Burkardt (Mainz, 350 Points), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz, 308 Points), Phillipp Mwene (Mainz, 300 Points)