Magnificent Mainz outclass Leipzig

Leipzig 0-3 Mainz
Goals: 0-1 Ingvartsen 9', 0-2 Ajorque 57' (assist: Stach), 0-3 Kohr 67'

Leipzig made a steady start to the encounter as they looked to reinject momentum into their top-four push following two defeats in three before the international break. However, the visitors showed the confidence they have gained from a six-match unbeaten run to pounce for an early lead, with Marcus Ingvartsen cleaning up on the rebound after Ludovic Ajorque had a shot saved. Despite dominating possession, Leipzig were outmuscled by Mainz and struggled to create clear chances in a flat first-half showing. Andre Silva pulled a shot wide from a corner in the hosts’ first effort in the 23rd minute. Super hold-up play from Ajorque put Ingvartsen through on goal minutes later, forcing Janis Blaswich to pull off a strong save to stop Mainz doubling their lead. The unmarked Leandro Barreiro then headed into the ground and onto the bar as the 05ers created chances at relative ease. Timo Werner prized himself free of the Mainz defence shortly before the break, but couldn’t guide his shot past the outstretched leg of Robin Zentner, and Mainz were well worth their half-time lead.

Leipzig showed few indications they were ready for a second-half rejuvenation, with Ajorque cracking the opening effort of the second period off target. Dominik Kohr then drew a save from Blaswich with a stinging effort following more fluent attacking play from Mainz. There had been enough warning signs, and the second goal from Mainz came in some style, with Ajorque applying an exquisite side-footed chipped finish on the half-volley from the edge of the box. Leipzig were rattled and Ingvartsen had a chance to make it three with a snatched shot saved soon afterwards. The hosts introduced Dani Olmo from the bench after his injury return, hoping for inspiration, but a defensive mistake from the Spaniard allowed Kohr to drill in for a 3-0 lead that few could have forecast before kick-off. The game was already lost by this stage, and Leipzig's attacking woes continued with Werner sending the ball wide from behind the defence in an offside position, before Szoboslai scuffed a shot wide. A late Olmo drive was turned over by Zentner to complete Leipzig's miserable afternoon.

• Werner had scored nine goals in his previous four Bundesliga encounters with Mainz.
• Leipzig had conceded only one of their seven Rückrunde goals from open play heading into the match - but conceded three times from open play today.
• Leipzig conceded three goals at home in a Bundesliga match for the first time since November 2021.
• Ingvartsen has scored six of his nine goals this season away from home. Only Bayern Munich's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has hit more on the road (seven).
• Ajorque has three goals in his past five matches.
• Mainz won away at Leipzig for the first time, after one draw and five defeats in their previous visits.

>>> Get Ajorque for your Fantasy team!

Leipzig: Blaswich - Henrichs, Orban (c), Gvardiol (Simakan 71'), Halstenberg (Raum 46') - Szoboszlai, Laimer (Klostermann 81'), Kampl (Haidara 46'), Forsberg - Silva (Olmo 56'), Werner
Unused subs: Nyland, Ba, Diallo
Out: Gulacsi (knee), Nkunku (thigh), Schlager (ankle), Poulsen (calf)
Coach: Marco Rose

Mainz: Zentner (c) - Hanche-Olsen, Bell, Fernandes - Widmer (da Costa 78'), Barreiro, Kohr, Caci (Martin 88') - Ingvartsen (Barkok 78'), Stach (Lee 78') - Ajorque (Burgzorg 90'+1)
Unused subs: Dahmen, Hack, Leitsch, Weiper
Out: Burkardt (knee), Onisiwo (knee)
Coach: Bo Svensson