Phillip Tietz’s opener gives Mainz 1-0 Bundesliga win at Schalke

Tietz decides a tight first half

FSV Mainz 05 beat FC Schalke 04 1-0 in the Bundesliga at VELTINS-Arena, with Mainz leading at half-time and holding on for the win. The defining moment came in the 24th minute, when Phillip Tietz scored a normal goal assisted by Anthony Caci to make the running score 0-1.

Schalke changed four players between the 60th and 71st minutes, including introducing Hwang Hee-Chan and Junior Dina Ebimbe in the 60th minute. Mainz made two substitutions in the 76th minute, bringing on Paul Nebel and Ransford Konigsdorffer. The visitors also collected two yellow cards: Nadiem Amiri in the 42nd minute and Kaishu Sano in the 45th minute.

Mainz created the clearer chances

Although possession was relatively close, Mainz had 54% of the ball to Schalke’s 46% and registered 10 shots to Schalke’s 9. The expected-goals figures were more emphatic, with Mainz at 1.53 and Schalke at 0.33. Mainz also had 6 shots on goal, while Schalke had 3, though Schalke goalkeeper L. Karius made 5 saves to keep the margin narrow.

Tietz was the standout performer, earning an 8.1 rating after playing 89 minutes, scoring once and recording 2 shots on target.

Mainz strengthen fifth place

After the result, Mainz are ranked #5 with 10 points from 6 games, while Schalke are #14 with 5 points from 6 games. Mainz are 5 points ahead of Schalke and trail league leaders Bayern München by 4 points; Schalke trail the leaders by 9 points. The result follows pre-match form of Draw, Win, Loss, Win, Loss for Mainz and Loss, Draw, Win, Draw, Loss, Loss for Schalke.