Weiche Landung nach dem Mainzer Fall im Europacup? Mainz 05 hat nach einer überraschenden Ausbeute in der Conference League eine Reaktion von seiner Mannschaft erwartet, doch die Europareise brachte den Bundesliga-Club trotz des frühen Ausfalls finanzielle und reputative Vorteile. Trainer Urs Fischer betonte, dass die Stimmung in der Mannschaft gedämpft sei, da das Spiel "seine Spuren hinterlassen" habe. Der Coach verwies auf eigene Verantwortlichkeiten für die Schwächen im Rückspiel gegen Racing Straßburg, das mit einer 0:4-Niederlage endete. Dennoch sieht Fischer in der Europareise eine Chance, das Saisonende "weich" zu gestalten, da die Rheinhessen in der Bundesliga noch 33 Punkte benötigen, um den Klassenverbleib perfekt zu machen. Die Europareise war für Mainz 05 ein Abenteuer, das sich nach der überraschenden Niederlage am Donnerstagabend beendete. Obwohl das Team im Hinspiel mit einem 2:0 die ersten Punkte erzielte, war es im Rückspiel chancenlos. Sportvorstand Christian Heidel betonte, dass sich die Mannschaft trotzdem über einen positiven Effekt für das Portemonnaie und das Image freuen kann. Es ist die erste Bundesliga-Mannschaft, die bis ins Viertelfinale der Conference League vorgestoßen ist, und die Reise brachte nicht nur sportliche Erfahrungen, sondern auch finanzielle Gewinne. Die Einnahmen aus den zehn Conference-League- und zwei Qualifikationspartien summieren sich auf 16 Millionen Euro, wovon der FSV einen Gewinn von zehn Millionen Euro erwartet. Die Einnahmen setzen sich zur Hälfte aus Marketing-Erlösen und Ticketverkäufen sowie zur anderen Hälfte aus UEFA-Prämien zusammen. Die Reise war auch für die Fans ein Highlight: Mit einem Zuschauerschnitt von 31.000 war Mainz der klare Zuschauer-Krösus, deutlich vor Straßburg (26.111).#mainz_05 #urs_fischer #conference_league #silvan_widmer #christian_heidel
Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens - Conference League Quarter-Final Preview Rayo Vallecano will host AEK Athens in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie on Thursday, marking the Spanish side’s first European encounter against Greek opposition since their 2000-01 Europa League campaign. The winner of the tie will face either Mainz 05 or Strasbourg in the semi-finals, with both teams aiming to advance to the final stages of the competition for the first time in their histories. Rayo Vallecano, making their debut in the Conference League, have reached the quarter-finals after a historic run through the tournament. The club, which last competed in European competitions in the 2000-01 Europa League, fell to a 4-2 defeat against Alaves in that campaign. This year, they have progressed past the last-16 stage with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Samsunspor, overcoming a 1-0 home defeat in the second leg. Rayo’s journey to the quarter-finals includes a 3-1 away win in the first leg of their last-16 tie, securing their place in the knockout phase. The Spanish side enters the match on the back of a 1-0 La Liga victory over Elche, which lifted them to 13th place in the league table and six points clear of the relegation zone. Manager Inigo Perez’s team will look to extend their recent form with back-to-back home wins, a feat they have not achieved since October and November 2025, when they claimed three consecutive victories at Vallecas. That stretch included two Conference League wins over Shkendija and Lech Poznan. AEK Athens, meanwhile, have reached the quarter-finals after a strong performance in the league phase, securing a top-eight finish. The Greek giants advanced from the last-16 stage with a 4-2 aggregate win over Slovenian side Celje, despite conceding two first-half goals in the home leg.#mainz_05 #conference_league #rayo_vallecano #strasbourg #aek_athens

Mainz Secures Key Points in Bundesliga: "Perfect Week" Mainz 05 claimed crucial points in their Bundesliga campaign, marking what manager Urs Fischer described as a "perfect week" for the club. Despite the team's position in the relegation battle, Fischer emphasized that the team must remain focused. "Nothing has been achieved yet," he said, adding that the team can only celebrate if they are mathematically safe from relegation. "Until then, we must stay committed to our strategy." The victory over Frankfurt, where Paul Nebel scored a brace in the 6th and 89th minutes, provided a much-needed boost. Fischer acknowledged that the win allowed his squad to "take a little breath," especially after the recent international break. The team will now face TSG Hoffenheim in the next round before turning their attention to the Conference League, where they will face Racing Strasbourg in the quarterfinals on April 9 and 16. The result highlights the competitive nature of the Bundesliga, with Mainz climbing to six points above the relegation zone following their win. However, Fischer's cautious remarks underscore the challenges ahead, as the team must maintain consistency to secure their Bundesliga status. The upcoming fixtures will test their ability to sustain form, particularly with the European competition looming. The match against Frankfurt also showcased the team's resilience, as they overcame a strong opponent to secure vital points. Nebel's double was a pivotal moment, demonstrating the attacking threat of the squad. With the Bundesliga season entering its critical phase, Mainz's ability to capitalize on such opportunities will be key to their survival. As the team prepares for the next round, the focus remains on maintaining momentum.#mainz_05 #urs_fischer #tsg_hoffenheim #paul_nebel #racing_strasbourg

Bundesliga Matchday 27: VfB Stuttgart Dominates, Freiburg Turns Around The 27th Bundesliga matchday delivered a mix of thrilling results and dramatic comebacks, with VfB Stuttgart maintaining their lead in the race for European qualification while Freiburg staged a late rally to secure a crucial win. The day began with a high-stakes clash between FC Augsburg and Stuttgart, where the visitors showcased resilience to overcome a rocky start. Stuttgart’s attacking trio of Deniz Undav, Tiago Tomas, and Nikolas Nartey combined for a commanding 3-0 victory, capitalizing on Augsburg’s defensive lapses. The first goal came in the 19th minute when Nartey converted a cross from Chris Führich, who outmaneuvered the Augsburg keeper. Tomas extended the lead in the 29th minute with a clinical finish, and Nartey sealed the win in the 20th minute of the second half, ensuring Stuttgart’s dominance after a tough Europa League defeat to Porto. Meanwhile, SC Freiburg turned the tide in their match against St. Pauli, overturning a 1-0 deficit to claim a 2-1 victory. Igor Matanovic, the Croatian striker, was instrumental in both goals, scoring with a deflected shot in the 58th minute and capitalizing on a defensive error in the 73rd. The win lifted Freiburg to within three points of the relegation zone, while St. Pauli’s defeat left them further adrift. In another key encounter, Mainz 05 edged out Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1, with goals from Nebel and Brown securing the points. The match saw Frankfurt dominate possession but struggle to convert chances, while Mainz’s late strike from Nebel proved decisive. The day also featured other notable results, including RB Leipzig’s clash with Hoffenheim and the Cologne derby, though these were highlighted as previews rather than full match reports.#sc_freiburg #mainz_05 #vf_b_stuttgart #st_pauli #fc_augsburg

Union Berlin Faces Bayern Munich in Bundesliga Clash as Jeong Aims for Historic Goal Union Berlin is set to take on Bayern Munich in a Bundesliga match on Saturday, with a particular focus on the potential achievements of South Korean forward Wooyeong Jeong. The 26-year-old has become a focal point for fans, as he could make history by scoring against his former clubs, including Bayern Munich, in a single season. Jeong's journey through the Bundesliga has been marked by several transfers. Since joining Union Berlin in 2025, he has played for VfB Stuttgart, SC Freiburg, and Bayern Munich. His time at Bayern Munich was primarily with the second team, but he earned a place in history by contributing to their 2018/19 Bundesliga title win. After leaving Munich, he moved to Freiburg, where he spent three seasons before transferring to Stuttgart in 2023. A year later, he joined Union Berlin on a permanent basis. In the current season, Jeong has scored three goals in 24 Bundesliga matches. His goals have been particularly notable for their context. His first came on the 16th matchday against Mainz 05, securing a draw for Union. His second goal, against Stuttgart in the 83rd minute, helped his team earn a crucial point. His third strike, in the second minute of stoppage time against Freiburg, sealed a 1:0 away victory for Union. In each case, he faced one of his former clubs, showcasing his ability to perform against teams he once played for. The match against Bayern Munich on Saturday presents a new challenge. Fans of Union Berlin are hopeful that Jeong will continue his trend of scoring against former employers, potentially adding another goal to his tally. Whether he starts or comes on as a substitute, the pressure is on for the South Korean forward to deliver a performance that could secure a vital point for his team.#bayern_munich #bundesliga #mainz_05 #union_berlin #wooyeong_jeong

Khusanov leads the list of the most expensive football players in Asia The Transfermarkt portal, which tracks football transfers and market values, has updated the transfer prices of players across several national leagues, including the English Premier League. Sports publications have since compiled analyses, with the Vietnamese portal Znews.vn highlighting the most valuable Asian players competing globally. Among eight Asian footballers featured, several have gained attention for their performances in European competitions and their high market value. Abdukodir Khusanov, the Uzbekistan national team defender, tops the list. Currently playing for Manchester City, Khusanov is praised for his speed, tactical awareness, and reliable defensive skills. Transfermarkt estimates his value at around 35 million euros, reflecting both his current form and future potential. His position as the most expensive Asian player underscores his significance in the transfer market. Takefuso Kubo, a Japanese forward for Real Sociedad, ranks second with a transfer value of 30 million euros. Known for his technical skills, quick dribbling, and creativity in attack, Kubo is considered one of Japan’s brightest stars. His consistent performances have solidified his status as a key player in European football. Kayshu Sano, a Japanese midfielder for Mainz 05, is third at 25 million euros. As a defensive midfielder, Sano excels in intercepting passes, disrupting opponent attacks, and maintaining composure under pressure. His disciplined play has made him a valuable asset to his team. Lee Kang-in, a South Korean playmaker for Paris Saint-Germain, is valued at 25 million euros. Recognized for his technical ability, vision, and playmaking skills, Kang-in is regarded as one of the most creative attacking players in Asia.#mainz_05 #real_sociedad #abdukodir_khusanov #transfermarkt #znews_vn

Phillipp Mwene träumt von einer WM-Begegnung mit Lionel Messi und schwärmt von seiner Zeit bei Mainz 05 Phillipp Mwene, der aktuelle Profi bei Mainz 05, sieht in seiner Karriere eine wichtige Station und träumt von einer WM-Begegnung mit dem argentinischen Star. Der 25-Jährige, der einst für den VfB Stuttgart spielte, spricht über seine Erfahrungen im Verein, die Herausforderungen im Kampf um den Klassenerhalt und seine Ziele in der Bundesliga. Mwene betont, wie wichtig die eigenen Spiele für Mainz 05 sind. „Wir müssen unseren guten Lauf nutzen, um noch mehr Punkte zu holen“, sagt er. Die Mannschaft stehe vor der Herausforderung, den Klassenerhalt zu sichern, nachdem sie in der Hinrunde knapp an wichtigen Punkten vorbeigeschlittert sei. Gegen den HSV und Leverkusen habe Mainz 05 zwar gute Chancen erarbeitet, doch die unglücklichen Ausgleiche hätten den Abstiegskampf erschwert. Der Spieler, der in der Jugend beim VfB Stuttgart trainierte, erinnert sich an die Tafelspitz-Anekdote aus seiner Zeit in Stuttgart. „Das war gleich an meinem ersten Tag. Es gab Tafelspitz zum Mittagessen. Den mochte ich noch nie, er war total zäh, eine absolute Katastrophe“, lacht Mwene. Doch die Erfahrungen im Internat hätten ihn als Fußballer geprägt. Mwene betont, dass Mainz 05 eine Mannschaft sei, die auf Erfahrung bau. „Einige Spieler – wie ich – machen den Abstiegskampf jetzt schon das dritte Mal mit. Wir wollen die Ruhe ausstrahlen, um alle mitzuziehen und daran zu glauben, den Klassenerhalt immer schaffen zu können“, erklärt er. Die Wintertransfers hätten die Mannschaft gestärkt, und Mwene ist zuversichtlich, dass Mainz 05 den Klassenerhalt schaffen wird. Der Spieler, der in der Bundesliga und der Conference League eingesetzt wird, sieht in der Europapokalsaison eine Chance, die Mannschaft zu zeigen.#vfB_stuttgart #mainz_05 #philipp_mwene #lionel_messi #conference_league

Bundesliga Match Coverage: Mainz 05 vs. VfB Stuttgart Live Streaming and TV Details The Bundesliga will host a match between Mainz 05 and VfB Stuttgart on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 15:30. The game, part of the 25th round, will take place at the Mewa Arena in Rheinhessen. SPOX provides details on how to watch the match live. The broadcast rights for the game are exclusive to pay-TV providers. Sky will cover the match, with coverage starting at 15:15 on Sky Bundesliga 01 and Sky Sport Top Event. The match will be commented on by Toni Tomic. For live streaming, a SkyGo subscription or access via WOW is required. DAZN will also provide coverage, starting at 14:00. Mainz 05, currently ranked 12th in the Bundesliga, has shown mixed performance this season. Despite a recent draw against Leverkusen, the team remains just above the relegation zone. Their strong showing in the match against Leverkusen, despite the injury absence of Nadiem Amiri, highlights their potential. VfB Stuttgart, on the other hand, is in excellent form, having secured 13 points from their last six league games. The team, ranked fourth, is in a strong position for the Champions League spots. With 46 points, they are tied with third-place Hoffenheim. The match details include the date, time, and location. The teams' recent form is summarized in a table, showing their results and performance metrics. The direct head-to-head record between Mainz 05 and VfB Stuttgart is also listed, with the latest five encounters. The Bundesliga standings show Mainz 05 at 26 points, while VfB Stuttgart is at 46 points. Both teams are in the race for European qualification, with the Europa Conference League spots up for grabs. For international viewers, using a VPN like NordVPN allows access to live streams from abroad.#dazn #mainz_05 #vfB_stuttgart #mewa_arena #sky_bundesliga_01
