Wolfsburg grab late draw in Mainz thriller | OneFootball

1. FSV Mainz 05 - VfL Wolfsburg | matchday 30 | match report | highlights

1. FSV Mainz 05 and VfL Wolfsburg have played out an enthralling 2-2 draw (2-1) in their Bundesliga clash. Maximilian Arnold (3.) gave Wolfsburg an early lead, but Mainz fought back through Jae-sung Lee (37.) and Dominik Kohr (40.) before halftime. Denis Vavro (89.) dramatically equalized late on for Wolfsburg. The result has significant implications for both teams' European aspirations.

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Mainz 2-2 WolfsburgGoals: 0-1 Arnold 3' (assist: Paredes), 1-1 Lee 37' (assist: Weiper), 2-1 Kohr (40'), 2-2 Vavro 89' (assist: Arnold)

The MEWA Arena played host to a crucial encounter in the race for European qualification as Mainz welcomed Wolfsburg. Both teams entered the match with recent struggles, Mainz winless in their last four Bundesliga games under Bo Henriksen, while Wolfsburg were looking to end a four-match losing streak. The home side's strong record of ten unbeaten home games provided a glimmer of hope, but Wolfsburg's historical edge in Mainz added an extra layer of intrigue to this high-stakes clash.

Maximilian Arnold celebrates his stunning long-range opener for Wolfsburg. (KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV)

Wolfsburg's early strike and Mainz's resilient response

The visitors stunned the home crowd early on when Maximilian Arnold unleashed a spectacular long-range effort in the third minute, beating Robin Zentner from over 30 meters out. Mainz gradually found their footing, with Nadiem Amiri testing the Wolfsburg defence. In the 37th minute, Jae-sung Lee levelled the score with a well-placed shot. Just three minutes later, Dominik Kohr completed the turnaround, putting Mainz ahead 2-1 going into half-time.

Dominik Kohr celebrates with teammates after giving Mainz the lead. (IMAGO/Revierfoto)

Mainz dominate but Wolfsburg strike late

The second half saw Mainz assert their dominance, creating numerous chances to extend their lead. Moritz Jenz came agonisingly close, hitting the post in the 59th minute. Despite Wolfsburg's triple substitution in the 63rd minute, Mainz continued to press, with Anthony Caci and Lee both forcing saves from Kamil Grabara. The intensity of the match was reflected in yellow cards shown to Kohr and Nikolas Veratschnig for Mainz, and Tiago Tomás for Wolfsburg.

However, the hosts' inability to find a third goal proved costly. In the 89th minute, against the run of play, Denis Vavro headed home from a corner to snatch a dramatic equaliser for Wolfsburg, silencing the MEWA Arena and ensuring a share of the spoils.

Player of the Match: Jae-sung Lee

Lee emerged as the standout performer. The South Korean international not only scored Mainz's crucial equaliser but was also instrumental in their second-half dominance.

Lee's goal, a well-placed shot from inside the box, demonstrated his clinical finishing ability. Throughout the match, he posed a constant threat to the Wolfsburg defence with his intelligent movement and creative passing.

His performance was pivotal in Mainz's comeback and overall control of the game, even if they ultimately couldn't secure all three points.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Mainz 2.44 - Wolfsburg 2.29Fastest player: Nikolas Veratschnig (Mainz), 35.96 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-0 by Maximilian Arnold (Wolfsburg), 2 percentMost pressed player: Nelson Weiper (Mainz), 22 times under pressurePass efficiency: Nelson Weiper (Mainz), +3.34

Fantasy Heroes: Maximilian Arnold (Wolfsburg, 306 Points), Jae-sung Lee (Mainz, 279 Points), Denis Vavro (Wolfsburg, 261 Points)

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