Mainz overcome Gabala 2-0 in UEFA Europa League
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E-mail Xinhua, December 9, 2016
Mainz moved 2-0 past Gabala thanks to first-half goals from Alexander Hack and Pablo De Blasis, following the last round of Europa League group stage action on Thursday.
Despite the 2-0 win over Gabala, Mainz finished third with nine points, which is not enough to progress into the round of the last 32. Gabala concludes the group stage on last place after losing all six games.
The hosts started off highly motivated into their last Europa League encounter, as Fabian Frei as well as Jhon Cordoba worked out the first promising opportunities in the opening period.
Gabala posed no threat and lacked in the penetration necessary to overcome Mainz' well-positioned defense. Martin Schmidt's men remained active and rewarded their efforts with 30 minutes played when Alexander Hack slotted home a rebound from eight meters to open the scoring into the roof of the net.
The hosts gained momentum and doubled their advantage only 10 minutes later, as Giulio Donati's build-up play and cross from the left wing allowed Pablo De Blasis to head home the 2-0 lead from close range.
The 2-0 deficit seemed to be a wakening call for the visitors from Azerbaijan, as Urfan Abbasov rattled the side netting to ensure the first note-worthy chance before half-time.
After the restart, Mainz started where they left off, whereas Gabala defended deep to prevent a worse defeat. The 'Nullfuenfer' continued to play in an offensively-minded fashion, but were unable to add another goal to their lead, despite a number of goal-scoring opportunities in the second half.
"I am satisfied with the outcome of today's encounter," Mainz defender Stefan Bell said. "Nevertheless, it is bitter to get eliminated with eight points."
After the last round of the group stage, AS Sanint-Etienne tops Group C followed by RSC Anderlecht, Mainz and Gabala.
The draw for the knockout stage will take place on December 12 in Nyon, Switzerland. The Champions League third-place finishers will make it into the draw, for a total of 32 teams. Endit
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