A poor start to the season leaves Mainz 05 on the brink of missing out on European football, the target the squad chased throughout the last campaign. At home to Rosenborg Ballklub, the hosts will throw everything at it; they simply cannot afford to be eliminated from the Conference League play-off round in front of their own supporters.
Mainz 05
In the first leg away to Rosenborg Ballklub, Mainz 05 settled into the rhythm reasonably well. Nadiem Amiri’s goal almost had them ahead at half-time, but Rosenborg Ballklub converted a penalty. Ultimately, the team slipped to a late defeat, and their chance creation dropped markedly after the break (0.30-1.30 in xG) despite 70-30 possession. The German Bundesliga opener offered encouragement. Mainz 05 bettered Köln (1.53-1.35 in xG) while down to ten men from the 60th minute, yet still fell to a 0:1 defeat.
Rosenborg Ballklub
Until this tie with Mainz 05, Rosenborg Ballklub had not faced serious opposition in qualifying. The visitors edged past Banga Gargždai (2:0) and Hammarby Idrottsförening (1:0) away from home without much conviction, which underlines the flaws in their game. Do not forget they were beaten 4:1 by KFUM-Kameratene Oslo in early August in domestic action; mistakes are likely at the home of Mainz 05.
Mainz 05 vs Rosenborg Ballklub Prediction
Supporters of Mainz 05 will not accept elimination from qualifying, and that extra motivation should aid the hosts against Rosenborg Ballklub. We are backing Mainz 05 -1 on the handicap.
