This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
On May 17, 2020, the Bundesliga made history by becoming the first top European league to resume play following the coronavirus pandemic. The highly anticipated return saw Borussia Dortmund thrash Schalke 4-0 in the Ruhr derby, while reigning champions Bayern Munich prepared to face mid-table Union Berlin.
However, it was the match between Cologne and Mainz that stole the spotlight. Cologne's Mark Uth opened the scoring with a penalty kick just six minutes into the game, but the hosts' lead was short-lived. With fans absent due to the pandemic, the players resorted to elbow bumps to celebrate.
Despite Cologne's early dominance, Mainz staged a remarkable comeback. Replacement striker Taiwo Awoniyi tapped home his first Bundesliga goal, and Cameroon midfielder Pierre Kunde equalized with a stunning individual effort, poking the ball past goalkeeper Timo Horn to seal a 2-2 draw.
"It was like street football, a huge game for us," said Mainz sports director Rouven Schroeder. "For the first game after so many weeks, it was really good. The guys didn't want to be left behind."
