Mainz 05 Edge Gladbach 4-3 in Bundesliga Thriller Packed With Drama

FSV Mainz 05 held their nerve to secure a dramatic 4-3 Bundesliga victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in one of the most enthralling matches of the 2026-27 season so far. Played on Saturday, 19 September 2026, the contest had everything — early goals, a missed penalty, VAR controversy, a flurry of yellow cards, and a stunning late winner that left Gladbach hearts shattered.

Fast Start From Both Sides

Borussia Mönchengladbach drew first blood in the 11th minute when Florian Neuhaus found the back of the net to give the home side an early advantage. But Mainz 05 responded with authority — Phillip Tietz levelled matters in the 18th minute, and Sheraldo Becker added a second just before the break in the 46th minute to send Mainz into the dressing room with a 2-1 lead. Gladbach had their moments but could not contain the visitors' clinical edge in front of goal.

Second-Half Drama and Controversy

The second half was an absolute rollercoaster. A VAR review in the 55th minute confirmed a penalty for Mönchengladbach, but Kevin Diks squandered the opportunity in the 57th minute, sending his spot-kick wide. Gladbach refused to give up, however, and Isac Lidberg pulled them level at 2-2 in the 59th minute with a finish assisted by Lukas Ullrich. The momentum appeared to be swinging back toward the hosts.

Mainz 05 hit back hard through substitute Eric Martel, who restored their lead in the 78th minute with an assist from Kaishu Sano to make it 3-2. With Gladbach pushing desperately for an equaliser, substitute Shuto Machino — who came on in the 84th minute — converted a penalty in the 95th minute to drag the scoreline back to 3-3 and send the match into frantic added-time chaos. But just moments before Machino's strike, Danny da Costa had already put Mainz 05 ahead again with a 89th-minute goal that ultimately proved to be the winner, completing a stunning 4-3 victory for the visitors.

Bookings Pile Up in Heated Affair

The match was as feisty as it was entertaining. Borussia Mönchengladbach finished with 10 yellow cards, while Mainz 05 collected six of their own — including bookings for goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow and substitute Ransford Königsdörffer in stoppage time. Both sides committed eight fouls each. Mönchengladbach led in attacking threat with 5 shots on target and 4 off, plus 5 corners, while Mainz 05 registered 4 shots on target and 5 off from just 1 corner. Gladbach dominated possession-related play with 10 attacks to Mainz's 8, but the visitors' efficiency was decisive. Two VAR reviews were conducted on Gladbach's side.

What This Means

For FSV Mainz 05, this is a massive three points that underlines their quality and resilience under coach U. Fischer, whose 3-5-2 formation caused Gladbach real problems all evening. For Borussia Mönchengladbach, the result is a painful defeat that will sting — a missed penalty, a mountain of yellow cards, and conceding two late goals will give coach J. Lichte plenty to address ahead of their next fixture. Mainz 05 march on in fine form.