Bundesliga: Mainz Secure Conference League Spot with Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen's record-breaking unbeaten away run continued, but Mainz's draw was enough to earn them a Conference League spot.

Mainz secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League with a 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen on the final day of the Bundesliga season. Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso ended his tenure with the club on a high note.

Despite having four goals disallowed, Mainz achieved their goal. Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, set a new Bundesliga record for consecutive away matches unbeaten.

Mainz's quest for a European spot drove their intense start. Despite a handball claim against Piero Hincapié in the second minute, the hosts continued to press. Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Paul Nebel both had early chances, with Nebel firing wide as the goal loomed large.

The Mainz duo's efforts highlighted their team's hunger for a European spot.

Mainz's high-pressing game disrupted Leverkusen's defense, with Nadiem Amiri and Jonathan Burkardt causing problems. In contrast, Leverkusen struggled to create chances, with their first opportunity coming in the 10th minute when Florian Wirtz's shot was blocked.

A promising Mainz attack on 14 minutes seemed to yield a goal, but VAR intervened, denying the home crowd a moment of celebration.

This crazy game somehow ends in a draw!

90+7' | 2-2 | #M05B04 pic.twitter.com/jJHE0cCtSD

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 17, 2025

Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo was forced off midway through the first half. Mainz continued to threaten, with Lee Jae-sung and Andreas Hanche-Olsen having goals disallowed. Paul Nebel finally broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, scoring his 10th goal of the season to give Mainz a deserved lead.

As the half drew to a close, Leverkusen had chances to respond, but Amiri spurned a one-on-one opportunity against Lukas Hradecky in stoppage time.

Bayer Leverkusen's halftime changes had an immediate impact. Patrik Schick scored a penalty two minutes into the second half after Andreas Hanche-Olsen's foul in the box, leveling the score and giving Leverkusen a lifeline.

Leverkusen seized the lead when Patrik Schick scored with a towering header five minutes after the penalty, taking his Bundesliga tally to 21 goals. Mainz quickly responded, earning a penalty of their own when Lee Jae-sung was fouled by Arthur. Jonathan Burkardt calmly converted the spot-kick, sending the home fans into raptures and leveling the score at 2-2.

Nadiem Amiri continued to create opportunities for Mainz, while Jonathan Burkardt led by example from the front. As the match entered its final 15 minutes, Mainz regained momentum. Amiri's late effort, a low drive, narrowly missed the target.

In stoppage time, Stefan Bell appeared to seal the win with a goal, but VAR intervened, disallowing it due to handball.

🗣️Xabi's final thoughts on the season. pic.twitter.com/F0jDwxP1jE

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) May 17, 2025

Xabi Alonso's tenure at Leverkusen ended without a win, but the result didn't impact their second-place finish. Meanwhile, Mainz secured a Conference League spot despite a seven-game winless streak, edging out RB Leipzig.