Mainz 05 will face Sportfreunde Eisbachtal on Saturday, July 11, at 4 p.m. in the Nentershausen Eisbach Stadium. The fixture is the second summer friendly of the season and a key test for new faces and Bo Svensson's tactics before the Bundesliga campaign begins.

Who is under the spotlight?

Besides regulars like Timo Kern and Florian Kainz, the focus is on recent signings. Twenty‑year‑old Finnish midfielder Otto Ruoppi will miss the match due to special leave, but several attacking players will get their first minutes in a Mainz 05 shirt. Vital Kats, the top scorer of the second division, has extended her contract and is expected to lead the line.

Why does the match matter for preparation?

The friendly allows the coaching staff to gauge the team's form – Mainz 05 currently sits 10th in the Bundesliga with 40 points, a record of 10 wins, 10 draws and 14 losses from 34 games. The side has scored 44 goals and conceded 53, a -9 goal difference, and trails league leaders Bayern Munich by 49 points. These figures highlight the work needed to climb back into the top half.

What should fans know about traveling?

The hosts advise drivers not to exit the A3 at Nentershausen because a roadworks block affects the main street. Instead, take the highway toward Diez, then turn onto Eppenrod to reach the village. Signage is clear, and there is no ticket requirement – the match is an open training session for all supporters.

What follows on the schedule?

After the Eisbachtal test, Mainz 05 will meet 1. FC Kaiserslautern on July 17 at the Bruchweg Stadium in a closed‑door format split into four 30‑minute periods. A short training break follows before the July 25 friendly against Holstein Kiel at the home ground. The summer camp in Hopfgarten‑Mark, Tirol, runs from July 27 to August 5. The official season‑opening celebration is set for August 16 in downtown Mainz.