**Mainz vs SC Freiburg: Grifo Scores, Substitute Striker Equalizes, Mainz Stays in Relegation Battle**

In a thrilling encounter at the weekend, Mainz and SC Freiburg delivered a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The game, which took place at the MEI Cup in Mainz, ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.

The match got off to a dramatic start as Mainz’s young star Kevin Ehlengrüter, known as Grifo, opened the scoring in the 15th minute. His perfectly placed shot from outside the box gave the home side a much-needed lead. Freiburg, however, quickly responded, and their persistence paid off in the 35th minute when debutant striker Dejan Blaževski, who came on as a substitute, fired a powerful shot past Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner.

Blaževski, who had been brought on in the 60th minute to replace the struggling Andy Di Matteo, became the hero for Freiburg, scoring the equalizer just nine minutes into his cameo appearance. His goal not only leveled the game but also reignited Freiburg’s hopes of securing a victory.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the second half, Mainz managed to grab the winner in the 88th minute through a clinical counter-attack. A well-executed through ball found Grifo, who made no mistake in slotting the ball past Freiburg’s goalkeeper, Fabian Bajoh. However, the celebration was short-lived as Freiburg’s fightback continued. In stoppage time, Blaževski once again proved decisive, slotting home a penalty after he was fouled in the box by Mainz’s defender.

The final whistle blew with the scoreline at 2-2, leaving both teams to ponder their next moves. Mainz, who had seemed to be on the verge of victory, will take solace in the fact that they stayed in the relegation battle, while Freiburg will be frustrated by their late collapse.

Speaking after the match, Mainz head coach, Bo Svensson, praised his team’s ability to dig deep and emphasized the importance of the result in their quest for survival. Meanwhile, Freiburg’s coach, Christian Heise, highlighted his young striker’s impact and expressed confidence that his side can bounce back in their next encounter.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, and both teams can take pride in their performances. With the relegation race heating up, fans can expect more high-octane encounters like this one as the season continues.