Bundesliga: Freiburg Come from Behind Twice to Earn 2-2 Draw with Mainz

Mainz and Freiburg played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Bundesliga, with the visitors coming from behind twice to earn a point and remain unbeaten in seven consecutive matches.

FSV Mainz and SC Freiburg played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Mewa Arena, with the result marking their third consecutive stalemate in the Bundesliga. The match had significant implications for Mainz's Champions League aspirations, but they were ultimately unable to secure a crucial win.

The points are shared in Mainz 🤝

2-2 | FT | #M05SCF pic.twitter.com/agd1FN2ze7

— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) March 15, 2025

Freiburg began the match with a clear intent to improve their away form, which has seen them score a Bundesliga-low 10 goals on the road this season. Christian Gunter nearly gave the visitors an early lead with a powerful half-volley that grazed the Mainz crossbar. The opening 25 minutes were relatively cagey, with neither side creating a clear-cut opportunity. Mainz's only half-chance during this period came when Anthony Caci's curling effort sailed over the crossbar, posing little threat to Freiburg's run of six consecutive Bundesliga clean sheets.

Mainz eventually broke the deadlock through Jonathan Burkardt, who became the third Bundesliga player to reach 15 goals for the 2024/25 season. The goal came after Anthony Caci's whipped ball into the six-yard area found Burkardt, who tapped in with ease. However, Mainz's lead was short-lived, as Freiburg responded strongly and thought they had won a penalty when Dominik Kohr dragged down Lucas Holer. Although referee Benjamin Brand initially awarded a penalty, he overturned the decision after realizing the foul occurred outside the area.

Despite the penalty decision being overturned, Kohr's challenge was deemed to have denied a goalscoring opportunity, resulting in a red card. The sending-off had significant implications for the match, but Mainz were unable to capitalize on their numerical advantage, ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw.

As expected, Freiburg launched a fierce attack after the half-time break, with Michael Gregoritsch leading the charge. His glancing header forced Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner to make a spectacular fingertip save, but Gregoritsch would not be denied for long.

Gregoritsch's persistence paid off as he rose highest to meet Gunter's cross, heading in his first Bundesliga goal of 2025 to bring Freiburg level. The visitors continued to press, but Zentner's brilliance in goal kept them at bay, as he made a stunning quick-reaction double save to deny Holer and Patrick Osterhage.

Just as Freiburg seemed to be gaining momentum, Mainz launched a rare counter-attack and restored their lead. Caci's cross picked out Andreas Hanche-Olsen, who headed low into the net past a cluster of Freiburg defenders. However, the celebrations at the Mewa Arena were short-lived, as Freiburg equalized again just moments later through Lukas Kubler's close-range finish from Ritsu Doan's low cross.

Unbelievable support, no matter the result! ❤️🤍#Mainz05 #M05SCF pic.twitter.com/nvr4KYQ0CI

— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) March 15, 2025

The draw ultimately suited both teams, with Mainz content to take a point despite being reduced to ten men early on due to Kohr's dismissal. The result keeps Mainz third in the Bundesliga and on track to achieve UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time in their history. Freiburg, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in seven consecutive matches and sit just outside the top four on goal difference.