By Eskender Tamrat@eskeFussball

Nadiem Amiri: “I’m proud of the squad”

Nadiem Amiri shared his delight after scoring Mainz’s equalizer away at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Christof Koepsel/Getty Images

Mainz earned a deserved point with the last kick of the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday. Nadiem Amiri netted the all-important goal from the spot in his first start since returning from an ankle injury.

“The plan was for me to only play 60 minutes today,” said the midfielder who captained the side with Silvan Widmer entering as a substitute. “But, to get fully fit, it takes games, no matter how much you train otherwise.”

The visitors produced a strong performance after losing 4-0 in the return leg of the Europa Conference League quarter-final tie against Strasbourg. “We gave the appropriate answer after Thursday's setback,” added Amiri.

"I'm proud of the squad for the character we showed in an important game. This gives us a good feeling. It’s also a great night personally after eight weeks of absence.”

Mainz are eight points clear of the relegation playoff spot as they face three teams below them in the standings after next week’s home game against the champions Bayern.