**Mainz 05 Draw 1-1 With SC Freiburg, Substitute Striker Scores to Stay In Relegation Battle**

Mainz 05 secured a crucial 1-1 draw against SC Freiburg in a tense encounter that kept both sides in the hunt for survival in the Bundesliga. The match, held at the Rhein-Neckar Arena, saw Mainz struggle to break down a resilient Freiburg defense but ultimately found a late winner through a substitute striker, ensuring their relegation battle continues.

The game started with both sides looking to impose their styles. Freiburg, known for their defensive organization, controlled possession early on and tested Mainz’s backline with probing attacks. However, Mainz gradually found their rhythm, with forward Jonathan Burkhardt leading the charge. Burkhardt, who has been a key player this season, created several chances but was often denied by Freiburg’s goalkeeper, Mark Freuler.

The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Mainz’s substitute striker, Kevin Volland, came off the bench to score a decisive goal. Volland, who had been brought in to replace the injured Nico Schlotterbeck, made an immediate impact. His clinical finish from a counter-attack saw Freiburg’s defense caught off guard, giving Mainz the lead.

Despite the goal, Freiburg refused to back down and pressed for an equalizer. Their efforts were rewarded in the 78th minute when striker Lucas Nussbaum scored a stunning equalizer, slotting the ball past Mainz’s goalkeeper, Daniel Schwab, who had been brought into the game earlier due to an injury.

The result leaves Mainz in 14th place, still firmly in the relegation zone, but with a glimmer of hope. Head coach Bo Svensson praised his players’ resilience and the composure shown after falling behind. “We fought back from 0-1 and showed character,” Svensson said. “We need to build on this and take confidence from the result.”

Freiburg, meanwhile, climbed to 11th place, three points above the relegation zone, but their manager, Christian Heise, acknowledged the importance of the draw. “We did well to come back, but we need to keep improving,” Heise said.

As the Bundesliga relegation race intensifies, both Mainz and Freiburg will look to use this result as a platform for their respective bids to avoid dropping down. For Mainz, the arrival of Volland could be a turning point, while Freiburg will aim to use their defensive solidity to stay in the upper half of the table.

The next few matches will be crucial for both teams as they seek to consolidate their positions and secure a spot in the Bundesliga for the 2024-25 season.