They earned 1 point on a difficult trip to Leverkusen. Mainz took the lead with an early second-half goal, conceded a late equalizer but held on to secure a valuable draw.
1. FSV Mainz 05 drew 1-1 with Bayer 04 Leverkusen in an away match in round 24 of the 2025-2026 Bundesliga season at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, on the 1st (Korean time).
Mainz, who earned 1 point, stayed 14th in the league with 23 points. Leverkusen remained 6th in the league with 40 points.
The first half was a tight affair. Mainz kept a stable defensive line while looking for counterattack opportunities. In the 39th minute of the first half from a set piece, Lee Jae-sung delivered an accurate kick, and Stefan Posch's header went just wide, leaving regret.
Lee Jae-sung performed the role of linking defense and attack from his activity in midfield.
The balance was broken in the 22nd minute of the second half. A quick transition attack paid off. From Paul Nebel's cross, Sheraldo Becker finished in the box to make it 1-0. It was a scene where the away team Mainz took the lead first.
After taking the lead, Mainz focused on narrowing distances to minimize conceding. Leverkusen intensified their offense centered on Patrik Schick, and goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann responded with consecutive saves. The moment he stopped Schick's close-range shot was the turning point of the match.
Regret came at the end of the match. In the 43rd minute of the second half, they conceded an equalizer to Jarell Quansah on a counterattack. It was a moment when the defense collapsed once.
Leverkusen's sustained assault continued during 7 minutes of added time. Corner kicks and crosses poured in, but Mainz threw their bodies to block them. They finished the match without conceding any more goals.
Mainz scored the opening goal away, survived a late crisis and earned 1 point. Lee Jae-sung also did his part in set pieces and midfield pressing, contributing to the team's draw.
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