Marcel Schmelzer spoke to sky directly after the 1-1 stalemate in Mainz. The BVB captain's disappointment at having conceded the late equaliser was clear for all to see.

Marcel, how disappointing is drawing like this?
"Very disappointing. This round of matches had gone perfectly for us. All the results had gone our way and three points would have seen us move up to third spot. But if you do not consistently defend until the end here in Mainz, then you will concede an equaliser like that."

What was the reason that you conceded that late equaliser?
"I can't currently envisage how their goal came about in my head. But we made it much too easy for Mainz. We actually defended very well for the entire match but on that one occasion it wasn't good enough and we conceded a stupid goal. It is a really bitter disappointment because we could have wrapped up all three points long beforehand."

How difficult will it be to climb up to third by the end of the season?
"That will be entirely down to us. The match against Mainz is the perfect example: we actually put in a good performance. We take an early lead, which makes it a much easier task. Then we defend everything well on a pitch that is difficult to play on. Then that happens at the end. That goal simply cannot be allowed to happen." (djg)