Freiburg left frustrated as Mainz take a point in scoreless stalemate

After midweek Pokal action for both teams, SC Freiburg and Mainz faced off to kick-start Sunday’s action on Matchday 9. Neither side could break through their teak-tough defences as it finished 0-0.

Naturally enough the hosts started well in the Europa Park Stadion this afternoon with Grifo and Dōan looking particularly lively. Chances were few and far between with large portions of the opening quarter battled out in midfield. A brief penalty appeal came and passed just before the 20th-minute. Sano appeared to make minimal contact with Osterhage after a corner, but the shouts were ignored. 

Bo Henriksen’s men eventually threatened Noah Atubolu with their first shot on goal via the boot of Jonathan Burkardt. Under pressure from Kübler, the German youngster shanked his effort over the bar. Eren Dinkçi and Junior Adamu almost combined with a neat one-two, however Zentner denied the Austrian in time. It remained finely poised at the break with the sides scoreless.

Atubolu had to remain alert upon the restart as Anthony Caci tried his luck from range. Grifo almost constructed the opener after his defence-splitting pass found Eggestein. A vital block by Dominick Kohr took it away from goal. Freiburg’s shot-stopper played a pivotal role in keeping Mainz at bay on the hour – Jae-Sung Lee fed Amiri whose deflected strike was parried to safety. 

A foul on Adamu yielded a yellow card for Bell and a freekick for the hosts. Christian Günter delivered and Osterhage connected with a volley that deflected behind for a corner. Armindo Sieb attempted the smash and grab at the opposite end as the clock neared 90 minutes. Atubolu did well to make the save and recollect to prevent the concession of a corner. Ultimately, nothing could separate the teams after 3 minutes of additional time.