Prematch: FSV Mainz 05 vs FC Bayern München
“We went head-to-head with City,” Tuchel was pleased ahead of Mainz’s return despite UCL exit.
Published: April 20, 2023 08:35
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As part of their revenge for Wednesday’s exit from UEFA Champions League competition, 1. FSV Mainz 05 are taking on FC Bayern Munich at 14:30 (GMT+1) at MEWA Arena on April 22.
Mainz Remain Unbeaten After 5 Games, Eye Bayern Munich Upset Following UCL Exit
Mainz secured a point in their 1-1 draw with FC Koln last weekend at RheinEnergieStadion after Ludovic Ajorque scored 17 minutes into the match but then Dejan Ljubicic equalized 51 minutes later with an own goal. Zero5ers remain unbeaten after five games but have won only once (DDWDD). Mainz are currently sitting eighth with 42 points following 11W, 9D and 8L and are hoping to wreak further havoc upon Bayern Munich following Wednesday’s exit from UEFA Champions League competition. Recently, they are undefeated in nine Bundesliga matches [5 Wins, 4 Draws and 0 Losses]. Furthermore, they rank third best during the second half of this year behind Bayern and Dortmund. Mainz currently hold the longest unbeaten streak in the competition and are tied for their club-longest run without defeat in any topflight season, at nine. Mainz could pick up three home victories over Bayern Munich after taking two wins at home (2-1 and 3-1). Bo Svensson may use a 3–4-2-1 formation with Karim Onisiwo being used up front as their attacker on Saturday.
Bayern Munich Fall Short of UCL Semifinal Despite Erling Haaland and Joshua Kimmich Heroics
Bayern Munich suffered an unexpected exit from the UEFA Champions League despite holding off Manchester City until Wednesday’s 1-1 draw, losing 4-1 on aggregate and failing to advance past their quarterfinal round fixture with them. They fell just short of reaching the semifinals. Erling Haaland [57′] missed a penalty before scoring open play goals from Erling Haaland [57′], but Joshua Kimmich [87′ P.] equalised for Bayern from the penalty spot. I am extremely satisfied with both performances against Manchester City today as well as how we conducted ourselves throughout our game today,” commented Joshua Kimmich in his post-match comments: “We went head-to-head with one of Europe’s best teams at this point in time,” Thomas Tuchel stated after Bayern’s loss. With three wins and eight draws already to their credit, Bayern currently lead their Bundesliga division with 59 points [17W, 8D & 3L]. Hoffenheim now hold them by one game after last weekend’s 1-1 tie with them. Tuchel will hope his side can continue their impressive goal-scoring run when they face Mainz [2009-2014] on Saturday. Eric Choupo-Moting returned for Bayern’s UCL tie against Manchester City on Wednesday, and will start as one of four four-two-three-one starters against Zero5ers on Saturday. Benjamin Pavard remains suspended due to amassing too many yellow cards while Manuel Neuer and Lucas Hernandez will miss this season entirely.
