Mainz 05 Surprises Bundesliga, Eyes Europa League Spot

MAINZ, Germany — Mainz 05 has emerged as the surprise package of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season, currently sitting in fifth place and eyeing a spot in the Europa League. The club, which has often languished in mid-table or battled relegation in recent years, has turned its fortunes around under coach Bo Henriksen, amassing 28 points after 16 matches.

With eight wins already secured, Mainz is just two points behind third and fourth-placed teams, positioning itself for a potential European qualification. The team’s defensive solidity and attacking efficiency have been key to its rise, with a goal difference of +10.

“We’ve worked hard to build a cohesive unit, and the players are delivering on the pitch,” said Henriksen. “Our focus is on maintaining this momentum and securing as many points as possible.”

Mainz is not alone in its unexpected success. Across Europe, several underdog teams are challenging traditional powerhouses. In England’s Premier League, Nottingham Forest, recently promoted from the Championship, is in third place, just six points behind leaders Liverpool. The team, featuring former Union Berlin player Taiwo Awoniyi and German youth international Eric da Silva Moreira, is defying expectations.

In Spain’s La Liga, Mallorca, historically a mid-table or relegation-threatened side, is sixth under coach Jacoba Arrasate. The team, bolstered by ex-Bochum striker Takuma Asano, is in contention for a Conference League spot, a remarkable turnaround for a club that last competed in Europe in 2002.

Turkey’s Süper Lig has also seen a resurgence, with Samsunspor, led by former Schalke coach Thomas Reis, sitting third after gaining promotion last season. The team boasts the league’s second-best defense and is challenging for a European place.

In Switzerland, the Super League has seen a shake-up, with FC Lugano leading the table, followed closely by FC Basel and FC Lausanne-Sport. These teams, which were fighting relegation last season, are now vying for the title, breaking the dominance of Young Boys Bern.

While the season is far from over, the performances of these surprise teams have added excitement and unpredictability to their respective leagues. Whether they can sustain their form remains to be seen, but their current achievements are already a testament to their resilience and ambition.