BERLIN — Borussia Moenchengladbach could only manage a frustrating 1-1 draw with visiting Mainz on Sunday, missing the chance to reclaim second place in the Bundesliga.
Max Kruse put the home side ahead in the 15th minute, finishing off a great combination involving Raffael, Patrick Herrmann and U.S. defender Fabian Johnson. Receiving a pass from Johnson, Kruse controlled the ball with his right foot, turned and then lifted it to the far corner with his left.
Jonas Hofmann equalized with a calmly taken penalty in the 31st, though TV replays showed it was a contentious decision as Junior Diaz’s cross connected with Julian Korb’s arm.
"I got a whipped-in cross on my hand from five meters. In no way was there any intention," Korb said.
Thorgan Hazard fired straight at Mainz ‘keeper Loris Karius with five minutes to go and there was still time for Raffael to be blocked on the line with the goalkeeper beaten.
"The Mainz player saved very well on the line. It’s a pity," Raffael said. "The draw is OK, even if there was definitely more in it for us."
Both sides maintained their unbeaten starts but Moenchengladbach dropped to third behind Hoffenheim on goal difference. Defending champion Bayern Munich leads by four points after seven games.
Earlier, Wolfsburg defender Naldo scored to secure a 1-0 win over Augsburg, lifting the home side to sixth.
The Brazilian shrugged off compatriot Caiuby, played a one-two with Sebastian Jung, and fired inside the far post in the 58th minute.
"We weren’t good in the first half but we fought and tried to get the goal in the second," Naldo said.
Tobias Werner had just wasted a great chance to score at the other end.
In a first half of little incident, Werner’s loose shoe flew off his foot and struck Kevin de Bruyne during a throw-in.
"It looked strange but there was no intention," said Werner.
Raul Bobadilla should have scored for Augsburg in the 29th, before Halil Altintop forced a smart save from Wolfsburg ‘keeper Diego Benaglio.
Though Wolfsburg improved in the second half, Augsburg was left to rue missed opportunities. Alexander Esswein was thwarted by Benaglio late on.
"We had a lot of chances. They have to go in if you want to win the game. We tried everything," Werner said.