Even the most hardened Mainz fans couldn't have expected such a positive balance, but thanks to strong tactical discipline, measured determination and a trigger-happy Aristide Bance, the Nullfünfers have slowly established themselves as a Bundesliga force.

The interpreter

Bance, who scored his seventh goal of the season on Sunday, was clearly delighted with his team's performance: "It was a game where you had to wait for your chances. I got mine and thankfully I made the most of it." FSV president Harald Strutz acted as interpreter for the Burkina Faso striker, translating for the journalists present in flawless French.

Ball-boy punishment works

It was only a few days previously that a difference of opinion between coach Thomas Tuchel and Bance led to the forward being sentenced to ball-boy duty in training. The punishment appears to have paid off. "If that's what happens then he can be ball-boy for the rest of the season," said Tuchel, who once again outfoxed his managerial counterpart with his tactical nous.

Hoffenheim could only themselves agree: "Mainz were excellent today," said Sejad Salihovic. Bance, meanwhile, was undeterred by the prospect of further ball-boy deployments: "I'd be quite happy to do it again."

Important victory for the future

The 1-0 victory had particular significance to the club with the laying of the first stone of the new Coface-Arena to take place on 16 March. With 35 points in the bag, Mainz are now all but assured of their Bundesliga status for next season as they usher in a new era at the club. "I think we secured our place in the Bundesliga for next season with today's win. It's an important signal ahead of the commencement of building work on the new stadium," said president Strutz.

It's a shame that the trip home is so short - we can't party for as long," continued Eugen Polanski after the match. Coach Tuchel maintained a more sober stance: "We need to make sure we build on this by winning our next away match." Mainz will have the chance to do just that in two weeks' time at SC Freiburg.

Next up: Köln

Before that, FSV will take on fellow Karneval club 1. FC Köln. "We're looking forward to that one a lot," said Strutz. "The Bruchwegstadion is going to be like a witch's cauldron," added goalkeeper Heinz Müller.

Although the club's goal for the season, survival, now appears to have been achieved, Mainz and Bance in particular remain keen to take their success to the next level: "We want to win more points, of course." Keeper Müller even went as far as to suggest that sixth place and a Europa League spot was a possibility: "That's a dream, but you have to dare to dream."

Daniel Dillmann/Translation: Andy James