Elversberg stun Mainz 4-1 to continue remarkable Bundesliga debut

Elversberg’s extraordinary first Bundesliga campaign reached another high point as they defeated Mainz 4-1, recording their third home victory in four matches and ending the visitors’ 100% away record.

The hosts had scored first in two of their opening three home games this season and quickly repeated the feat. After Elversberg were awarded a free-kick in the seventh minute, Felix Keidel curled a superb effort into the net from 20 yards for his second goal of the campaign.

Keidel had also scored from a free-kick in Elversberg’s thrilling 4-3 victory at Borussia Monchengladbach in September.

The strike was only the fourth goal Mainz had conceded away from home this season, but they were breached again before the half-hour mark.

Mainz had enjoyed a spell of possession before Elversberg launched a quick attack. David Mokwa Ntusu found Francis Onyeka, who used his strength to make room, drove into the penalty area and sent a low left-footed shot beyond Robin Zentner. It was Onyeka’s first Bundesliga goal.

Elversberg continued to threaten, with Keidel, Mokwa Ntusu and Lukas Petkov all shooting over from distance. They added a third in first-half stoppage time to complete a remarkable opening 45 minutes for Vincent Wagner’s side.

A corner from Keidel created confusion in the Mainz penalty area, allowing Maurice Krattenmacher to slip away from two defenders. The forward moved onto his left foot and calmly swept the ball into the far corner, extending his status as Elversberg’s leading scorer.

Mainz, who arrived with the Bundesliga’s only perfect away record, improved after the interval. Phillip Tietz tested Nicolas Kristof with a header, but the Elversberg goalkeeper made the save.

Substitute Ransford Konigsdorffer appeared to have given Mainz hope when he produced a precise finish into the corner only two minutes after entering the game. A VAR review, however, showed that he had started his run from an offside position and the goal was ruled out.

Zentner then prevented Elversberg from adding to their advantage with an excellent stop from Mokwa Ntusu, who had surged forward on a powerful solo run.

The fourth goal eventually arrived in stoppage time. Cole Campbell controlled a cross on his chest before delivering an acrobatic volley into the bottom corner.

Elversberg were unable to secure their first Bundesliga home clean sheet. Less than a minute later, Mainz pulled one back when Benedict Hollerbach followed up after Konigsdorffer’s initial attempt struck the post.

Mainz’s difficult evening ended in further frustration when Stefan Posch was shown a second yellow card with virtually the final action of the match.

The result was Elversberg’s biggest Bundesliga victory and lifted the top-flight newcomers into fifth place, a UEFA Europa League position. Mainz have now lost four of their past five matches in all competitions and face a daunting home meeting with record champions Bayern Munich next weekend.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Francis Onyeka (Elversberg)