Mainz display vintage away performance to down Augsburg

Bo Henriksen’s side produced the perfect response to last week’s defeat against RB Leipzig, sweeping past Augsburg 4-1 at the WWK Arena.

In what already felt like a crucial clash between two sides searching for a spark to kickstart their season, Mainz delivered a statement performance – with Kaishu Sano the standout performer.

The opening exchanges were predictably cagey as both teams sought a foothold. Mainz’s Arnaud Nordin had the first real chance, denied by Chrislain Matsima. But it was Mainz who struck first in the 14th minute, Matsima guilty of a loose pass that Sano pounced on. The Japanese midfielder drove through on goal and calmly slotted past Finn Dahmen to make it 0-1.

From there, Mainz seized control. Apart from a spectacular Alexis Claude-Maurice overhead kick tipped over by Robin Zentner, Augsburg struggled to respond. Twelve minutes later the visitors doubled their lead: Jeffrey Gouweleeuw lost possession, allowing Dominik Kohr to surge forward, skip past a challenge, and fire beyond Dahmen to make it 0-2.

Despite enjoying more of the ball, Augsburg offered little against Mainz’s disciplined defence. Armindo Sieb should have made it three on the half-hour mark but fired wide when clean through. Half-time arrived with Mainz comfortably 0-2 up and Sandro Wagner’s men in real trouble.

Wagner rang the changes at the break, making four substitutions to inject life into his side. A lifeline seemed to arrive in the 53rd minute when Kohr picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Massengo. But instead of capitalising, Augsburg collapsed further. Sano again drove through the midfield, beating two challenges before squaring for Paul Nebel to tap in for 0-3. Down to ten men, Mainz showed immense character.

Augsburg’s best moment came when Samuel Essende forced a sharp save from Zentner, but they remained largely bereft of ideas. Their misery deepened in the 69th minute when Sano capped his brilliant display with another decisive run, clipping a ball through for Sieb to slot home for 0-4. It was dreamland for Henriksen’s men, their recent struggles suddenly a distant memory.

Essende did grab a late consolation in the 81st minute, but it mattered little with Augsburg already beaten.

The final whistle confirmed a superb 1-4 victory – Mainz climbing to 12th ahead of next week’s home test against Borussia Dortmund. For Wagner and Augsburg it was a nightmare afternoon. His side looked toothless despite a man advantage for much of the second half, leaving big questions to answer before a must-win trip to Heidenheim.