Uzun’s two goals lift Frankfurt to a 3-1 win at Mainz

Eintracht Frankfurt beat FSV Mainz 05 3-1 at the Mewa Arena on Saturday, September 12, 2026, securing their first Bundesliga win of the campaign. Frankfurt led 2-0 at half-time and held off a Mainz side that finished with more possession and more attempts.

Uzun sets the tone

Frankfurt took the lead in the ninth minute when Can Yilmaz Uzun converted a move assisted by Jonathan Burkardt. Mainz responded with pressure but could not turn it into a goal. Nadiem Amiri missed a penalty in the 43rd minute, a major missed opportunity before Frankfurt extended their advantage.

Burkardt then scored in the 45th minute, with Jeremiaha Maluze providing the assist. The goal left Mainz two behind at the interval and gave Frankfurt a strong platform for the second half. Mainz made a change at the break, sending on Ransford Konigsdorffer for Lee Jae-Sung.

Frankfurt punish openings

Uzun scored again in the 60th minute, this time assisted by Mario Götze, to make it 3-0. Frankfurt also introduced Götze in the 59th minute for Noel Aseko, and his contribution came almost immediately. Mainz continued to attack and eventually reduced the deficit in the 89th minute, when Phillip Tietz finished from Otto Ruoppi’s assist.

The late goal did not change the outcome. Frankfurt’s defensive work included two tackles from Robin Koch, while goalkeeper saves also mattered: Frankfurt made four, compared with two for Mainz. Raphael Onyedika Nwadike was booked in the 41st minute and Götze received a yellow card in the 70th. There were no red cards.

Mainz had the ball, Frankfurt had the result

The statistics show a more competitive contest than the scoreline alone suggests. Mainz held 54% possession and completed 385 passes to Frankfurt’s 326. They also attempted 19 shots, including 12 from inside the box, while Frankfurt had 11 shots and nine from inside the area. Both teams registered five shots on goal.

Those figures did not translate into an equal score because Frankfurt converted three of their key opportunities, while Mainz missed a penalty and managed only one late goal. Frankfurt also recorded five corners to Mainz’s four and committed nine fouls, compared with 11 by the hosts.

Uzun leads Frankfurt’s response

Uzun was the standout performer, earning a 9.3 rating after scoring twice in 87 minutes. He also recorded two shots on target, two key passes and two tackles. Burkardt supported the win with a goal and an assist before leaving in the 74th minute.

Mainz had entered the round ranked fifth with four points from two matches, while Frankfurt were 14th with one point. The result leaves Mainz with four points after three games and moves Frankfurt to four points. Mainz’s recent draw-win sequence now includes a defeat, while Frankfurt’s draw-loss sequence is followed by a victory.