RB Leipzig Edges Mainz 1-0 with Bakayoko's Decisive Goal

Leipzig secures crucial 1-0 win over struggling Mainz

RB Leipzig secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga, with Johan Bakayoko scoring the decisive goal. Read the match report.

The defeat marked Mainz's seventh Bundesliga home game without a win, extending their streak...

RB Leipzig secured a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Mainz 05 at the Mewa Arena, with Johan Bakayoko scoring his first goal for the team. This win marks a significant result for Leipzig, while Mainz has now gone three matchdays without a win in the Bundesliga.

The match was characterized by sporadic goal attempts in the opening half-hour, reflecting the teams' struggles to create scoring opportunities. Bakayoko's decisive goal came just before halftime when he expertly slotted the ball past Mainz's goalkeeper Robin Zentner. Despite Mainz's efforts to level the score, Leipzig's defense held firm to secure the win.

This win moves Leipzig up to fourth place with six points, while Mainz remains in 14th place with one point. Leipzig's victory showcases their resilience and ability to grind out wins against tough opponents.

Johan Bakayoko had the best chance of the match when he broke through on goal, aiming to place the ball into the bottom-right corner. However, Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner managed to touch the ball, deflecting it onto the post and out of play. Shortly after, Nadiem Amiri also hit the woodwork, but the match became more stop-start in nature thereafter.

Bakayoko remained a constant threat, and his persistence paid off just before halftime. A series of passes outside the box created an opportunity for the Belgian winger, who skillfully jinked past two defenders from the right flank before unleashing a low, hard shot that beat Zentner at the near post. This decisive goal gave RB Leipzig a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Three points on the road! We are so back 😍

⏱️ FT | 0-1 | #M05RBL pic.twitter.com/pAqYy62PA4

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) September 13, 2025

Mainz, who had conceded in 14 consecutive top-flight games, failed to launch a strong attack after halftime, contrary to expectations. Instead, the match remained largely attritional, with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities.

The stalemate continued after the break, although Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner had a promising chance to seal the win around the hour mark. He skillfully beat two defenders but his shot from the edge of the box flew narrowly wide, keeping the suspense alive.

Despite Leipzig's chances, including Conrad Harder's narrow miss at the end of a solo run, Mainz persisted in their pursuit of an equalizer. Nelson Weiper had a promising opportunity, heading the ball narrowly over the bar with seven minutes remaining. However, Leipzig's defense proved too strong, and Mainz ultimately came up short.

The defeat marked Mainz's seventh Bundesliga home game without a win, extending their streak to five draws and two losses. Leipzig's pacy defense played a crucial role in securing the victory, withstanding Mainz's late pressure to claim the three points.

RB Leipzig's 1-0 victory over Mainz 05 has propelled them to fifth place in the Bundesliga table with 30 points, tied on points with sixth-place Freiburg. This win also marked Leipzig's second clean sheet in six away league games. 

Here's a breakdown of the current standings:

Current Standings:

• 5th Place: RB Leipzig - 30 points, 10 goal difference
• 6th Place: Freiburg - 30 points, 6 goal difference

Leipzig's recent form has been steady, with two wins and three draws in their last five matches. Their next challenge is against 1. FC Cologne on September 20, 2025, at the Red Bull Arena.