Bundesliga Matchday 34: Mainz's Season-Ending Smooth Sailing, Union Berlin's Lesson in Survival

On May 18th, the final round of the Bundesliga commences simultaneously in the evening Beijing time. Mainz has unexpectedly secured points that seem beyond their usual capability this season. Could this set them up for a painful twist in the last round? Union Berlin faces relegation pressure for the first time in five seasons, a compulsory lesson for mid-table teams.

Wolfsburg vs. Mainz - Everything Going Too Smoothly?

Wolfsburg suffered an away defeat to Bayern Munich in the last round, ending their season-long trend of three consecutive victories and completely forfeiting their chance to qualify for European competition next season. Despite achieving 20 points in both the first and second halves of the season, a minimum drop of 9 points compared to last season indicates regression on both offensive and defensive fronts. If not improved during the break, they might face relegation next season.

Mainz has shown a strong survival instinct towards the end of the season. Since their devastating 1-8 loss to Bayern on March 9th, they have remained unbeaten for eight consecutive matches, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten streak in Bundesliga history. In the 2010-2011 season, Mainz had a seven-game winning streak at the start, but their unbeaten run ended in the eighth round. This season's streak is more enduring.

In their last match against Borussia Dortmund, who had just advanced to the Champions League final, Mainz players were undoubtedly nervous. Last season, in a meaningless match, they drew with Dortmund, preventing the Yellow and Blacks from winning the championship. Before the final round, Mainz suffered four consecutive defeats, and their final match is an away game, showing deliberate obstruction.

This season, Borussia Dortmund has lost their desire for revenge due to fatigue from the Champions League. Mainz took a 3-0 lead within the first 20 minutes, a delightful sight for knowledgeable fans. In the end, Mainz won 3-0, returning to the safety zone after three rounds. During this eight-game unbeaten streak, Mainz averaged two goals per game, while previously their average was not even one goal.

Although Mainz's recent performance has improved significantly, their away form continues to decline. They are currently the only team without an away win. Wolfsburg has overwhelming advantages against Mainz. It's their last home game of the season, so they are unlikely to go easy on their opponents. Wolfsburg is expected to perform at 20% of their strength, and there's a high chance Mainz will struggle.

Union Berlin vs. Freiburg - Relegation Experience as Important as Sudden Improvement

Like a sudden downturn, Union Berlin's recent decline has no justification. Their good form was completely taken away by the last national team match week of the season. In the seven league matches after that, Union Berlin only gained two points. Unexpectedly, they still face direct relegation concerns in the final round.

In the last round, they challenged Cologne, who were on the brink. Union Berlin could have secured at least a relegation playoff spot, taking a 2-0 lead in less than 20 minutes. However, in the final minute of regulation time in the first half, they were equalized by the opponents. Then, in the last five minutes of the second half, they conceded two more goals, allowing Cologne, with the worst attacking power in the Bundesliga, to reverse the situation and be relegated. Such performances are worthy of relegation.

If Leverkusen wins the German Cup final against Kaiserslautern, Freiburg can secure a Europa Conference League qualification. Of course, after 12 years of coaching the team, old coach Streich hopes to defeat the opponent in the last game of the season to raise the team to seventh place, so they may participate in the Europa League next season.

Freiburg is not a traditional strong team in the Bundesliga. The current ranking has already satisfied the fans, but the management now seems to have defined themselves as a middle-upper team. The pressure on the new coach next season must be very great. Union Berlin has never lost to Freiburg at home. They have the ability to perform at 20% of their strength at the most critical moment. Freiburg's fighting spirit may not be enough to support their goals, and there may be no highlights in the away game.