Double strike after lightning goal: Mainz shock Leipzig back

From cup euphoria to Bundesliga doldrums: After reaching the semi-finals, RB Leipzig suffered their next setback in day-to-day business. Despite taking an early lead, the Saxons lost 1:2 (1:0) against FSV Mainz 05 and missed out on a temporary jump to fourth place. Mainz are now in fourth place, although they can still be ousted by SC Freiburg on Sunday.

The lightning goal by Xavi Simons (1st minute) in front of 41,406 fans actually paved the way for the seventh Bundesliga game in a row without defeat. However, only one draw was recorded after five of these games. Nadiem Amiri (52') equalized for Mainz and Jonathan Burkardt (58') added his 14th goal of the season shortly afterwards. The discussions surrounding Leipzig coach Marco Rose, who has come under criticism, are unlikely to die down now.

Sesko shines in the lead

Reaching the semi-finals of the DFB Cup against Wolfsburg - albeit fortunately thanks to a controversial penalty - should give Leipzig a much-needed boost for the league. And after less than a minute, the stadium erupted in jubilation. The stadium clock showed just 58 seconds had elapsed when Simons fired the ball into the net at the second post.

The dream start was preceded by a strong individual performance in midfield by cup hero Benjamin Sesko, who set up Loïs Openda. Three Mainz players were unable to clear the Belgian international's back pass before the ball landed at the feet of Simons. The playmaker, who signed for €50 million from Paris Saint-Germain in the winter, scored his sixth goal of the season.

Mainz come back after 30 minutes

And RB kept the pressure on. Amadou Haidara (5) was through in the penalty area after a one-two with Simons, but his shot on the turn went just wide of the post. Sesko's (23) attempt from a turn from the edge of the box also missed the goal by just a few centimetres.

And Mainz? Played well, but only reached the Leipzig penalty area after a good half hour. However, the Saxony defense did well to clear the attempts of Mainz, who were now superior in the field. Things got really dangerous shortly before the break. Anthony Caci crossed from the right into the penalty area, where Jae Sung Lee (43) was on hand at the first post. However, the South Korean's header flew just over the crossbar.

Amiri and Burkardt shock Leipzig

Things went better after the break. Mainz continued to press for an equalizer and, after Haidara lost the ball in front of his own penalty area, Paul Nebel fed Amiri, who was completely free in the five-yard box - an equalizer that was by no means undeserved at this point. And the visitors now had more of the play, with another header from Lee (55') going over the bar.

However, the club with fans in a carnival mood went one better - and Amiri was involved again. The 28-year-old set up goalscorer Burkardt, who did not hesitate to shoot from an acute angle. RB defender El-Chadaille Bitshiabu was not consistent enough in the scene. Leipzig's play then lapsed into an incomprehensible sluggishness, while Mainz pressed for the third goal. Burkardt's shot (74') landed on the post, as did Amiri's (75') attempt.