Bayer 04 Leverkusen was held to a 1-1 draw at home by 1. FSV Mainz 05 at the BayArena in a Bundesliga match on February 28, 2026. This result was a setback for Leverkusen's title challenge, as they dropped points against a disciplined Mainz side fighting for survival. Leverkusen dominated possession and took the lead in the first half through a penalty. However, Mainz defended resolutely and grew into the game, finding a deserved equalizer from a counter-attack in the 70th minute. Leverkusen pushed for a winner but found the Mainz goalkeeper in inspired form, making several key saves to preserve the point. The key focus was Mainz's defensive organization and their effective game plan to frustrate the home side. The draw meant Leverkusen lost ground in the title race, while the point was a valuable one for Mainz in their fight against relegation. The Leverkusen manager expressed disappointment with his team's finishing, while the Mainz coach was proud of his team's effort and discipline. Both teams' starting XIs reflected their approaches, with Leverkusen's attack versus Mainz's compact defense.