Mainz upsets Leipzig in season opener

Mainz's Moussa Niakhate tapped in at the far post in the 13th minute after a disastrous attempt to clear the ball from Leipzig's Nordi Mukiele lobbed it into the path of the goal scorer.

MAINZ 15 August, 2021 22:03 IST

FSV Mainz 05's Moussa Niakhate (right) celebrates after scoring the winning goal against RB Leipzig on Sunday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Mainz 05 struck early to stun last season's Bundesliga runners-up RB Leipzig 1-0 on Sunday and spoil new coach Jesse Marsch's Bundesliga debut in the club's opening game of the campaign.

Mainz's Moussa Niakhate tapped in at the far post in the 13th minute after a disastrous attempt to clear the ball from Leipzig's Nordi Mukiele lobbed it into the path of the goal scorer.

Lee Jae-sung also hit the woodwork for Mainz but Leipzig gradually took control and made its 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 it did come close with Mohamed Simakan's double chance on the hour and Mukiele's shot.