# Mainz 05 Draw 1-1 with SC Freiburg - Grifo Scores, Then Mainz Equalizes to Stay in the Relegation Battle

Mainz 05 secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday, showcasing their resilience as they continue to battle to avoid relegation. The match was a thrilling encounter, with both sides creating chances and displaying fighting spirit.

Freiburg took an early lead through Kevin Schmid, who capitalized on a defensive error by Mainz to slot home in the 12th minute. The visitors responded well, however, and their persistence paid off when Alexandre Groli scored a stunning equalizer just before halftime. Groli, who has been in fine form recently, fired a powerful shot from outside the box to level the score at 1-1.

The second half was a rollercoaster of emotions for the 35,000 fans at the Rhein-Neckar Arena. Freiburg pushed hard for a winner, with Schmid and debutant Lucas Zeller both coming close to breaking the deadlock. Mainz, meanwhile, defending stubbornly and relying on their goalkeeper, kept Freiburg at bay.

Despite the draw, Mainz remain in 14th place in the Bundesliga standings, maintaining their hopes of securing a thrilling survival battle. With key fixtures against Cologne and Bayer Leverkusen looming large, Saturday’s result will provide a much-needed confidence boost to the team.

Freiburg, on the other hand, will be frustrated not to have converted their dominance into all three points. They remain in ninth place but are still in the hunt for a European qualification spot, with a tough encounter against Hoffenheim upcoming.

In summary, this was a tale of two halves for both sides. Freiburg dominated the first half but faltered in the second, while Mainz showed grit and determination to salvage a point. Both teams now have crucial matches ahead, and fans can expect more drama as the Bundesliga season continues.