Mainz 05 – RB Leipzig: Bakayoko’s Moment of Magic Secures Gritty Away Win (0-1)

RB Leipzig arrived at the MEWA ARENA on the back of a confidence-boosting win against Heidenheim, while Mainz had picked up their first point of the season in a draw at Wolfsburg. The visitors, under Ole Werner, proved to be a masterclass in defensive resilience, stifling a Mainz side that enjoyed the lion's share of possession but lacked the final product. A spectacular long-range strike from new signing Johan Bakayoko was the difference, earning Leipzig a crucial away victory.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

Mainz 05, managed by Bo Henriksen, lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on a strong defensive shape with two central midfielders and two wingbacks. The home side's strategy was to press high up the pitch and control possession, aiming to win the ball back in dangerous areas. Robin Zentner started in goal, with a back three of Danny da Costa, Dominik Kohr, and Stefan Bell. The midfield four consisted of Anthony Caci on the right and Philipp Mwene on the left as wingbacks, with Nadiem Amiri and Kaishu Sano in the center. Nelson Weiper led the line, flanked by William Bøving and Arnaud Nordin.

RB Leipzig, meanwhile, utilized a 4-3-3 setup, with their focus on retaining shape and hitting Mainz on the counter. Péter Gulácsi was in goal, protected by a back four of David Raum, Castello Lukeba, Willi Orbán, and Ridle Baku. The midfield three had Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, and Christoph Baumgartner playing more in between the lines. The front three saw Antonio Nusa and Johan . . .