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BERLIN, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Robert Beric's equalizer secured St. Etienne a 1-1 draw at Mainz in the opener of Group C in Europa League on Thursday.
Niko Bungert's second-half opener was not enough for Europa League newcomers Mainz, as Robert Beric's late goal secured French outfit St. Etienne one point on the road.
Both team staged an evenly balanced first half with only a few highlights, as both sides did not want to risk too much. However, Mainz cut offensively a better figure but neither Yunus Malli, Pablo de Blasis nor Yoshinori Muto were able to overcome St. Etienne's well positioned defence.
Things changed after the restart, as Mainz were able to break the deadlock early in the second half when team captain Niko Bungert headed home a corner from Malli in the 57th minute.
Nevertheless, Martin Schmidt's men failed to protect their neat lead to the end as Robert Beric 88th-minute effort secured the visitors a 1-1 draw on the road.
With the result, RSC Anderlecht tops Group C followed by Mainz, St. Etienne and Gabala SC.
