Mainz climbed out of the Bundesliga relegation zone with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over RB Leipzig, ending their nine-game winless run away from home and extending their unbeaten streak at the Red Bull Arena to four matches.

The result continued Mainz’s impressive resurgence under Urs Fischer, whose first eight competitive games in charge have now produced just one defeat.

The visitors started brightly and pressed Leipzig from the outset, but their early momentum was disrupted when forward Benedict Hollerbach was stretchered off inside the opening 15 minutes with a serious lower-leg injury.

Despite weathering the early pressure, Leipzig were fortunate not to fall behind when Phillip Tietz headed wide from close range while unmarked in the penalty area.

Leipzig struggled to create clear chances for much of the first half, but they found a breakthrough shortly before the interval. Antonio Nusa burst past Danny da Costa down the left flank and delivered a precise cross for Conrad Harder, who nodded into the far corner to score just his second goal in German football.

However, the hosts’ lead was short-lived. For the second consecutive match, David Raum conceded a penalty after bundling over Tietz in the box. Nadiem Amiri converted confidently from the spot deep into stoppage time to level the score.

Mainz carried their momentum into the second half and completed the turnaround within four minutes of the restart. Silas, making only his third appearance for the club, picked up the ball deep in his own half and surged forward, weaving past Willi Orbán and shrugging off challenges before calmly slotting home his first Bundesliga goal since May 2024.

Leipzig initially struggled to respond and were left frustrated just after the hour mark when Rômulo Cardoso failed to convert Yan Diomande’s low cross from point-blank range.

The hosts continued to apply pressure, with Kacper Potulski producing a crucial last-ditch challenge to divert Harder’s effort wide. Mainz remained dangerous on the counter, coming close to extending their lead when Kaishu Sano broke through, forcing a vital save from Peter Gulácsi at the near post.

David Raum later delivered an inviting cross that gave Orbán a chance to equalise, but his weak header was easily gathered by the goalkeeper.

Leipzig’s inability to find a way back saw them slump to a third defeat in four home matches, leaving their top-four status under threat, while Mainz celebrated a vital victory in their battle for survival.