- Mainz has succeeded in the general exercise against Montpellier
Bundesliga side FSV Mainz 05 is ready for the season start. The Rhinelanders won Saturday's dress rehearsal** against French Ligue 1 side Montpellier HSC 3:1 (2:1). Goals in front of around 5000 home fans at the Mewa Arena were scored by Andreas Hanche-Olsen (8th minute), Philipp Mwene (11th) and Nelson Weiper (89th). Teji Savanier (28th) scored from the penalty spot for the visitors.
Mainz coach Bo Henriksen had to do without Silvan Widmer and Karim Onisiwo at short notice. Widmer was out due to a viral infection, while Onisiwo had picked up a knee injury in training. The duration of the striker's absence is unknown.
Mainz started strongly against Montpellier, applying pressure from the outset and scoring two early goals. These goals gave them the confidence to control the game. Even after the French side's goal, Mainz remained composed. In the second half, they experimented and scored a third goal.
On Sunday, Mainz will celebrate the season opening with their fans in the city, before preparing for their first competitive game on the following Friday. In the first round of the DFB-Pokal, the Bundesliga side will face local rivals SV Wehen Wiesbaden.
After their triumphant performance against Montpellier HSC in the dress rehearsal, Mainz 05 HSC is eager to continue this form in their DFB-Pokal opener. Regrettably, Karim Onisiwo's injury might hamper their preparations, as the extent of his absence remains unclear.
