Mainz, Nov 22: Hoffenheim conceded a late goal to draw at Mainz 1-1 and miss out on a record fifth successive Bundesliga triumph.
Mainz started the game second to last in the standings with just one win in 10 games. Five of its seven defeats were by a single goal and it looked like being a sixth when it went behind after nine minutes.
Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani and Mainz defender Andreas Hanche-Olsen both went up for a long cross from the left and the ball came off the Mainz player’s head and deflected into the net.
However, Mainz got a deserved equalizer when Danny da Costa poked home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.In an action-packed closing period, Asllani hit the post, Dominik Kohr was shown a late red card for Mainz, and Ihlas Bebou had a last-gasp goal chalked off for Hoffenheim.
The result was a fillip for Mainz on the eve of a difficult run. It is scheduled to play seven games in 24 days before Germany’s winter break on Dec. 21. (AP)
