Mainz survive Augsburg fightback

Bo Svensson’s men move up to 11th in the Bundesliga

Mainz survived a spirited second-half fightback to claim a 3-2 win over Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Friday.

The hosts led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Karim Onisiwo, Marcus Ingvartsen and Leandro Barreiro. But Augsburg struck back with two goals in the space of five minutes early in the second half, through Ermedin Demirovic and Julian Baumgartlinger.

Mainz held on for all three points, however, and move up to 11th in the table, while Augsburg remain 13th.

Svensson's side made a flying start to the game and were ahead inside two minutes when Onisiwo converted a penalty after he had been brought down by Augsburg goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz.

Mainz doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Ingvartsen headed home a cross from Barreiro. And the hosts made it 3-0 just before the break when Barreiro fired in a stunning 25-yard strike.

Augsburg came out fighting in the second half and pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute when Demirovic tapped in a rebound after Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner had saved a shot from Baumgartlinger.

Just five minutes later, Baumgartlinger made it 3-2 with a fine finish from the edge of the area. Augsburg continued to press for an equaliser, but Mainz held on for all three points.