Bakayoko’s bullet separates Leipzig from Mainz

The Belgian winger came up with the game’s only goal just before half-time to seal a 1-0 victory.

In what was an exciting game that saw RB Leipzig prevail, Mainz found themselves very fortunate to be on a level footing with their visitors approaching the 15 minute mark. Johan Bakayoko was slipped through on goal but the sprawling frame of Robin Zentner put the Belgian off as his shot struck the post. 

Nicolas Seiwald tried his luck from the edge of the box and it almost paid off as it whistled past the left upright. At the other end, Mainz showed signs of threat as Nelson Weiper directed his header towards Peter Gulacsi who saved well under pressure. 

The game took on a see-saw rhythm as Philipp Mwene and Nadiem Amiri were denied by the Leipzig rearguard. However, the scoreboard read 1-0 to the visitors on 40 minutes as Bakayoko cut inside and caught Zentner napping with a powerful low drive inside his near post. 

Die Roten Bullen kept pushing forward after the interval as Christoph Baumgartner’s powerful run and curling effort was out of Zentner’s reach but lacked the necessary accuracy to extend their lead. Ole Werner introduced Yan Diomande and Conrad Harder for the final 25 minutes. 

The Danish striker, making his Bundesliga debut, flashed wide from around 12 yards. Moments later, Bo Henriksen opted for a triple substitution involving Veratschnig, Widmer and Kawasaki but Die Nullfünfer couldn’t claw back that all-important goal as Leipzig claimed a crucial win at the Mewa Arena.