**Mainz 05 Draw 1-1 with SC Freiburg; Grifo Scores, Substitute Equalizes, Stays in Relegation Battle**

Mainz 05 and SC Freiburg shared the spoils in a thrilling Bundesliga encounter on Saturday, as the two sides fought out a 1-1 draw at the Deutsche Bank Park. The match was a tale of two halves, with both teams displaying attacking intent but ultimately ending the game with neither side able to break the deadlock.

The first half was dominated by Mainz 05, who pressed hard and took the lead just before the 20-minute mark. A clinical counter-attack saw Kevin Großkreutz, who had joined Mainz on loan from Borussia Mönchengladbach earlier in the week, slot home from inside the box. Großkreutz, who had been a standout performer since his arrival, celebrated wildly, but the goal was met with a chorus of boos from the Freiburg fans, who were quick to voice their frustration at their team's inability to respond.

However, Freiburg responded in the second half. Against the run of play, they levelled the score through a superb team move. Lucas Höller, who had replaced the struggling Dejan Stanković in the 46th minute, picked out Kevin Schade with a perfectly weighted pass. Schade, who had been a bright spark in the Freiburg attack, finished confidently from 12 yards, sending the traveling fans into raptures.

Mainz 05, despite their efforts to find a winner, struggled to create further chances. Freiburg, now in control, defend resolutely and looked like they could hold on for a vital three points. But in the 83rd minute, substitute Kevin Dano, who had replaced the injured Anthony Modeste, came off the bench to equalize for Mainz. Dano, who had only been on the field for 10 minutes, capped off a remarkable cameo performance with a clinical finish, slotting the ball past Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

The draw means Mainz 05 remains in the relegation battle, but the point earned from this encounter will provide a much-needed boost in their quest for survival. Freiburg, meanwhile, extended their recent good form and continue to push forward in the hunt for a European spot.

Both teams now look ahead to their next fixtures, with Mainz 05 set to face RB Leipzig in their next Bundesliga match, while Freiburg will take on Union Berlin. For now, though, both sides can reflect on a hard-fought draw that keeps their respective hopes alive.