Wolfsburg complete late comeback to win against Mainz

Wind's winner came in the 94th minute after he had levelled the scores with seven minutes remaining at the Volkswagen Arena. Paul Nebel opened the scoring for Mainz early in the first half before Mohammed Amoura levelled shortly afterwards for the hosts. Jonathan Burkardt sent the visitors back in front before half-time, only for Wolfsburg to hit back again through Tiago Tomas near the hour. A second for Nebel looked to have secured Mainz fifth place but Wind's late show meant Wolfsburg were the ones to climb above Borussia Dortmund into the Europa League spot.

They sit on 21 points, the same amount as Dortmund and Freiburg, who are in action in the weekend's final match at lowly Hoffenheim. Mainz are ninth, two points behind Wolfsburg. Ralph Hasenhuettl's side will now have their eyes on the top four, with just three points separating them from an inconsistent RB Leipzig in the final Champions League spot.

Nebel gave Mainz the lead on 11 minutes after being set up by Lee Jae-sung. The first of Wolfsburg's equaliser came via Amoura as he prodded home from close range eight minutes later. Burkardt made it 2-1 for the away side by ghosting in at the front post and finishing from Stefan Bell's flicked header. The 'Wolves' drew level again in the 57th minute when Tomas' cross-goal effort was deflected in for the Portuguese's fifth league goal of the campaign following good wing play by Amoura.

The tide swung again nine minutes later when Nebel bundled home his second after Kamil Grabara did well to claw out Burkardt's lofted effort but was helpless to stop the rebound. However, slack defending by Mainz allowed the ball to reach Wind on the edge of the box in the 83rd minute and he rifled home unerringly to draw Wolfsburg level for the third time. Then as the match appeared to be heading for a draw, the Dane was left unmarked in the box to glance in a deep free-kick and spark wild celebrations among the home support.

 

December 8, 2024