Mainz’s search for a first home Bundesliga win of the season continues after a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach— their first match since parting ways with head coach Bo Henriksen in midweek. The result leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table and still waiting for a turnaround in fortunes.

Gladbach threatened an early breakthrough after 16 minutes when Jens Castrop’s skidding effort beat returning goalkeeper Daniel Batz — making his first appearance since December 2023 — only for Maxim Leitsch to rescue his side with a last-ditch goal-line clearance.

Moments later, Mainz looked to be in trouble again. Luca Netz swung in a corner that was flicked on by Kevin Diks before Leitsch inadvertently headed into his own goal. However, VAR came to Mainz’s rescue, ruling the effort out due to a handball by Yannik Engelhardt. The decision followed the strict interpretation of the law, but appeared extremely harsh given the minimal contact that had no effect on the ball going in.

Going forward, Mainz offered very little in response. They failed to register a single attempt — on or off target — throughout a forgettable first half in front of their frustrated supporters.

Despite the lack of attacking threat, interim coach Benjamin Hoffmann kept faith with his starting XI after the interval, and it almost paid off immediately. Nelson Weiper, one of seven players recalled following last weekend’s 4-0 defeat to Freiburg, burst through on goal but could only fire straight at Gladbach keeper Moritz Nicolas.

Castrop was then denied his second big chance of the night by a smart Batz save, but Mainz’s luck finally ran out from the resulting corner. Rocco Reitz delivered and Haris Tabaković’s header deflected in off the unfortunate Danny da Costa to give the visitors the lead their pressure had warranted.

Weiper later missed another golden opportunity, heading Lee Jae-sung’s inviting cross woefully wide from close range, before Batz again came to the rescue at the other end to keep out Shuto Machino. But Gladbach stood firm to see out a valuable away win.

For Mainz, the match brought more unwanted milestones: 24 Bundesliga games without a clean sheet, a nine-match winless streak (two draws, seven defeats) and continued struggles in front of goal. And with rampant champions Bayern Munich up next, their survival challenge isn’t getting any easier.

Gladbach, meanwhile, climb into the top half and will look to build on this momentum when they take on fellow strugglers Wolfsburg next Saturday.