Mainz 05 began the new season with a decisive 5-0 win in the second round of the DFB-Pokal against TSV Schott Mainz. The match, played from the home side, showcased a solid performance that prepares the team for the upcoming Bundesliga phase. Mainz fans greeted the squad with loud cheers, although the atmosphere was not particularly thrilling. Nevertheless, the VfL was never in danger, which the defense rated as solid.
Coach Eugen Polanski, 40 years old, could only draw a few insights from the game for the Bundesliga. He emphasized that the team must be ready for the upcoming match against RB Leipzig on Saturday at 15:30 (Sky). Polanski highlighted Hugo Bolin’s performance, who kept his promise from the Tegernsee training camp: “I want to be more effective, score more goals and provide more assists.” Bolin indeed delivered a brace.
The first goal came in the 7th minute when Bolin missed the chance, but in the 22nd minute he scored, after Philipp Sander had refined the shot, putting the ball into the right corner. Shortly thereafter, new arrival Daiki Hashioka tried to header from the right penalty corner, but Isac Lidberg could not capitalize on the pass. Captain Tim Kleindienst, who left the game with muscle problems, was replaced by Lidberg.
Before halftime, two scary moments occurred: Dom-Rep national player Fabian Messina narrowly missed, while Moritz Nicolas let the ball from Karim Zeghli over the crossbar. After the break, Bolin put the 3-0 in the air after a pass from Robin Hack (48th minute). Lukas Ullrich scored the 4-0 with a full‑stretch shot (61st minute), and Wael Mohya pushed the 5-0 after a pass from Franck Honorat (67th minute).
The goose‑bump moment of the match was the return of Ajax returnee Ko Itakura. In the 57th minute he celebrated his comeback after a year in Amsterdam and was wildly celebrated by the fans. The match ended with a clear 5-0 victory for Mainz 05.
The team will now start the Bundesliga, focusing on further developing offensive strength. Fans hope for more goals and assists from Bolin and other key players. The club remains in the DFB‑Pokal round while the Bundesliga start games begin soon.
