An 89th-minute strike from Paul Nebel secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Mainz over European hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt at the MEWA Arena in the Bundesliga, extending Die Nullfünfer’s unbeaten home run in all competitions to nine matches.

The hosts made an ideal start, taking the lead after just six minutes. A long ball into space released Nebel, who drove into the box and saw his right-footed effort take a slight deflection off Arthur Theate, looping over Michael Zetterer and into the net.

Frankfurt, who had seen both teams score in 11 of their 13 Bundesliga away games before kick-off, restored parity midway through the first half. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya beat his marker on the flank and squared for Nathaniel Brown, who finished first time from close range to level the score.

Mainz almost responded immediately, with Kaishu Sano testing Zetterer as his low driven effort from distance drifted just wide of the left post.

In a tightly contested first half, there was a late scare for the hosts just before the break when a dangerous low cross almost resulted in an own goal by Dominik Kohr, but the ball narrowly missed the target.

Urs Fischer’s side arrived full of confidence after making history by reaching the quarter-finals of a UEFA competition—the UEFA Conference League—for the first time, following their win on Thursday. They also matched up well against a Frankfurt team who had collected 11 points from new head coach Albert Riera’s first six matches in charge.

Ritsu Dōan was a constant threat for Die Adler throughout the afternoon and nearly created a second-half opener for Fares Chaïbi, whose header from the Japanese winger’s cross was tipped onto the crossbar. Moments later, Dōan came close himself, but his first-time strike from the right side of the box was pushed wide by Daniel Batz.

The hosts thought they might have been awarded a penalty with just over 10 minutes remaining when Sheraldo Becker went down inside the area, but after a review at the pitchside monitor, referee Tobias Stieler instead penalised an earlier foul in the build-up.

In a chaotic finish, Becker then saw his close-range attempt strike both posts, before Nebel struck in the dying moments to seal victory for Mainz.

Nelson Weiper’s header from close range was saved by Zetterer, but Nebel reacted quickest to convert the rebound and ignite wild celebrations among the home supporters

Mainz held on through the closing stages to move up three places into 11th, also establishing a six-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, a disappointed Eintracht Frankfurt remain seventh, now eight points behind the final European qualification spot with seven matches left to play.