Mainz, Union fight out 'not too pretty' 0-0 draw in 31-degree heat

Berlin (AFP) – Mainz and Union Berlin split the points after a dour 0-0 draw at a two-thirds full Mewa Arena in the Bundesliga on Sunday in a game described by Berlin coach Urs Fischer as “not too pretty”.

Both sides struggled to find attacking rhythm in a game played in 31-degree heat and punctuated by additional drinks breaks. 

Union’s American striker Jordan Siebatcheu was withdrawn in the 70th minute after failing to keep his early season scoring streak alive, with the summer arrival having found the net in both of Berlin’s games so far in the German Cup and Bundesliga. 

“It was a tough game… It certainly wasn’t too pretty when you look at it,” admitted Fischer.

“But from my side, I’m actually satisfied. We are happy to take the point home.”

Mainz went close with the only notable chance of the first half, when an attempted cross from Lee Jae-sung was swatted to safety by Union keeper Frederik Roennow.

Rani Khedira had a chance to put Union in the lead in the 59th minute but dragged his low shot just wide. 

Mainz’s Austrian striker Marlon Mustapha, subbed on in the 75th minute, had an immediate impact, causing problems for a tiring Union defence and having two clear chances on goal. 

Mainz had a chance in the 90th minute when Dutch striker Delano Burgzorg latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area, but Union defender Robin Knoche shouldered the ball away from the goal to safety. 

Mainz manager Bo Svensson praised his side’s discipline. 

“It was difficult for all the players to play in these conditions,” he said. 

“They were very disciplined and did the things I asked them to do.”

After the game, Khedira said “it was incredibly difficult to keep up the intensity in this heat.”

The result sees both sides finish the round with four points.

Union have now gone a club record nine Bundesliga matches without a loss, winning seven and drawing two since they last tasted defeat, against Bayern Munich in March. 

In Sunday’s final game, Bayern will have the chance to reclaim top spot when they welcome former coach Niko Kovac’s Wolfsburg to the Allianz Arena.