Moussa Niakhate’s thumping header opened the scoring two minutes before the break, with Pierre Kunde sealing the points for the visitors late in the second half with a calm finish past Kevin Trapp.
Personnel: Hasebe sets record
Adi Hütter made two changes to the side that beat Werder Bremen in Wednesday’s rearranged Matchday 24 fixture. Stefan Ilsanker - who scored twice off the bench at the Weserstadion - replaced captain David Abraham in central defence, while Bas Dost was recalled up front in favour of Mijat Gacinovic. Makoto Hasebe, meanwhile, was handed his 309th Bundesliga appearance at the Commerzbank-Arena - no Asian player has featured more often in Germany’s top flight.
First half: Eintracht struggle up front
The biggest opportunity of an even opening fell to Eintracht, Almamy Toure lashing Filip Kostic’s deep cross over the bar following a flowing move down the left-hand side. The lively Kostic then dragged a low effort wide ten minutes later as both goalkeepers remained largely untroubled.
Daniel Brosinski eventually tested Trapp with a powerful long-range shot that flew straight at the Germany international stopper, before Kostic sent another low drive trickling just past the far post. Taiwo Awoniyi turned Levin Öztunali’s delivery over the bar from deep inside the penalty area, but Niakhate made no mistake with a powerful header shortly before half-time.
Second half: No way back for Eagles
Eintracht started the second period in lively fashion, forcing several corners in succession but failing to trouble Mainz goalkeeper Florian Müller. At the other end, the Zerofivers thought they had doubled their advantage when Jean-Philippe Mateta stroked home, but the forward was denied by an offside flag.
Robin Quaison had another goal disallowed for offside not long afterwards as Eintracht continued to ride their luck, but their good fortune ran out 13 minutes from time when Kunde broke clear of the Eagles’ defence before slotting past Trapp.
Summary: An opportunity missed
The Eagles failed to pick up where they left off in Bremen on Wednesday - and Mainz were able to take full advantage. Hütter’s charges could have closed the gap on the European places with a win, but the 2-0 defeat means Eintracht remain in 11th spot, seven points clear of the bottom three.