Hoffenheim and Mainz remain in mid-table after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Markus Babbel's first home game in charge.
In-form Zidan earns Mainz a draw at Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim and Mainz remain in mid-table in the Bundesliga after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Markus Babbel's first home game in charge.
An own goal from Nikolce Noveski had given Hoffenheim a ninth minute lead, but the in-form Mohamed Zidan levelled for Mainz just before the half-hour mark.
Babbel's side took the lead in the ninth minute when Boris Vukcevic's cross was put into his own goal by Noveski, who also put through his own net in his side's 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.
Srdjan Lakic missed a good chance to make it two just over five minutes later, shooting wide from a tight angle.
Zidan then extended his record of having scored in every game since returning to Mainz this winter to bring the visitors level in the 29th minute.
Radoslav Zabavnik sent in a cross from the left which was met by the Egyptian, who scored from close range.
Babbel sent Ryan Babel on after an hour and, within seconds of taking to the field, he sent a shot wide of the post.
Hoffenheim posed a greater threat in the final 20 minutes, but they were unable to break down a Mainz side who seemed happy to sit back and settle for another point which took them six points clear of the relegation zone.
