BERLIN: Mainz 05, who have around a dozen players in Covid-19 quarantine, struck early to stun last season’s Bundesliga runners-up RB Leipzig 1-0 on Sunday and spoil new coach Jesse Marsch’s first league match in charge.

The game had been in doubt after several Mainz players and coaching staff tested positive for Covid-19 and 11 players and three staff were sent into isolation.

Mainz’s Moussa Niakhate tapped in at the far post in the 13th minute, however, after a disastrous Leipzig attempt to clear the ball sent it into his path.

Lee Jae-sung also hit the woodwork for Mainz but Leipzig gradually took control and made their own chances for Christopher Nkunku and Angelino.

In a largely one-sided second half, Leipzig pushed Mainz back deep but struggled to create openings, although they did come close with Mohamed Simakan’s double chance on the hour and Mukiele’s shot.

“It wasn’t how we were hoping to start the season,” Leipzig coach Marsch, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann, said.

“Mainz sat back and defended after their goal and fought for every ball. That didn’t leave much space for us. It definitely wasn’t our best game, but we will continue to work.

“In total not our best day. It is okay that when we have the first tough result we are still a work in progress,” American Marsch added.

COLOGNE BEAT HERTHA

Later on Sunday, Stevan Jovetic scored early on his Bundesliga debut for Hertha Berlin at Cologne. But the hosts fought back to win 3-1 in new coach Steffen Baumgart’s first league game in charge.

Anthony Modeste headed them level on 41 minutes, and two quick-fire goals from Florian Kainz early in the second half — a second-half header and left-footed shot — completed the turnaround.

Supporters in both stadiums back after a season in which they had been away due to coronavirus restrictions paid their respects to former Bayern Munich and Germany great Gerd Mueller with a minute’s silence in Mainz and minute’s applause in Cologne.

Mueller, who was known as Der Bomber for his scoring prowess, died early Sunday morning at age 75.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2021