### Mainz 05 Striker Equalizes for Draw and Substitutes Score to Keep in Relegation Battle

In a thrilling match that saw both teams fighting hard to secure points, Mainz 05 managed to equalize late on in the second half, securing a draw against their relegation rivals. The game was closely contested from start to finish, with neither team able to find the back of the net until the final moments.

#### Key Moments:

1. **Initial Uneven Start**: The visitors, Mainz 05, took the lead early in the first half through a well-taken goal from striker Alex Sandro. The Brazilian forward capitalized on a loose ball and converted it into the top corner, giving his side a comfortable advantage at halftime.

2. **Recovery by Mainz 05**: Despite the early deficit, Mainz 05 refused to give up. They regrouped and worked tirelessly to counterattack. In the 75th minute, substitute midfielder Thomas Müller stepped up to take a penalty kick after being fouled in the box. His spot-kick was saved by the goalkeeper, but the effort showed the determination of the team.

3. **Equalizer in the Last Minute**: Just as the game seemed to be heading towards a tie, Mainz 05's substitute forward, who had come on in the 69th minute, scored the equalizer. The striker, who replaced injured forward Lukas Podolski, took a header from a corner kick, deftly steering the ball past the keeper to put the match level.

4. **Substitute Performance**: Throughout the game, Mainz 05 relied heavily on their substitutes to maintain momentum and create opportunities. Substitutes like Oliver Giroud and Marco Reus provided spark and were instrumental in keeping the score tied throughout the match.

#### Final Thoughts:

The draw is crucial for Mainz 05 as they now have one point more than their opponents, which puts them in a better position to avoid relegation. However, the performance of their substitutes demonstrates their resilience and ability to step up when needed. The club will now look to build on this result and continue to push for improvement in their next matches.

Overall, the game was a testament to the spirit of the players and the determination of the team to fight for a place in the league. With a strong run of form under new manager Joachim Low, Mainz 05 remains in contention for promotion, but they must continue to work hard to overcome any challenges that may arise in the coming weeks.