Wolfsburg 1 - 1 Mainz: Wolfsburg lose ground in race for Europe after draw with Mainz

Posted Sunday, April 10, 2016 by PA

Wolfsburg remain six points away from qualifying for Europe next season with just five games of the season to go after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by a Mainz side who remain on course for a top-six finish.

Andre Schurrle scored against his former side as Wolfsburg looked set to build on their 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.

Jairo Samperio levelled midway through the second half and Mainz had chances to win it as they maintained their six-point advantage over the Wolves and moved even closer to a place in Europe next season, as the hosts ended with 10 men following the late dismissal of Dante.

After a tactical, even first half, Schurrle continued his excellent recent form with a goal against his former club, a delicate chip over the onrushing Loris Karius after excellent work from Bruno Henrique.

Mainz hit back well and grew in confidence as tiredness started to creep into Wolfsburg's game.

Yunus Malli was perhaps a little too casual as he took the ball down in front of Koen Casteels and only had the Wolfsburg goalkeeper to beat, but his weak placed effort enabled the Belgian custodian to make a save with his foot.

Samperio showed a similar coolness when faced with just Casteels to beat minutes later, but he slotted the ball past him to bring Mainz level.

Christian Clemens brought an excellent save out of Casteels as the visitors started to increase the pressure and assert themselves on the game with Wolfsburg up against the ropes.

Samperio wasted another opportunity late on before Dante earned his second yellow card of the evening in stoppage time.

The ten men of Wolfsburg were therefore quite happy to come away with a point, with their focus now turning to Tuesday night when they travel to Madrid looking to progress to the last four of the Champions League.