Phillip Tietz's first-half strike proved enough for Mainz 05 to claim all three points against Schalke 04 at the Veltins-Arena, with the visitors holding firm to secure a narrow victory.

Making the trip to Gelsenkirchen, Mainz carried an impressive away record into the weekend, with both of their Bundesliga victories this season having come on their travels.

And typically, Urs Fischer's side made an electric start and could have taken the lead inside the opening minute, with former Nullfünfer goalkeeper Loris Karius producing three impressive saves to deny Sheraldo Becker twice and Jae-sung Lee from the rebound.

Miron Muslic's side gradually settled into the encounter, although clear-cut opportunities remained scarce, with Adil Aouchiche failing to pick out Edin Džeko after finding space down the left in the 12th minute.

Schalke continued to struggle in the final third, and the visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after Kaishu Sano intercepted a clearance on the edge of the penalty area.

The Japanese midfielder found Anthony Caci on the right, whose low delivery towards the near post was met by Phillip Tietz, who steered the ball beyond Karius and into the far corner to give Mainz the lead.

Karius was called into action again in the 35th minute after Becker beat Timo Becker down the left and pulled the ball back for Tietz, whose powerful effort from around 13 metres was brilliantly saved by the Schalke goalkeeper.

The hosts remained largely ineffective in attack, leaving Mainz with a one-goal advantage at the interval.

Mainz began the second half in similar fashion, controlling proceedings with and without the ball, while Schalke continued to struggle to establish any attacking rhythm.

The visitors threatened again shortly after the restart, with Philipp Mwene and Jae-sung Lee both seeing efforts blocked as Mainz searched for a second goal.

Schalke's attacking problems were compounded on the hour mark when Džeko was forced off following an aerial collision, with Hee-chan Hwang introduced in his place.

The hosts gradually enjoyed more possession in attacking areas, although Mainz remained resolute defensively and prevented Muslic's side from creating any meaningful opportunities.

Finishing with an xG of just 0.29, Schalke's wait for a home goal in the Bundesliga continues, while Mainz's excellent away run goes on.

Die Nullfünfer jump up to fifth in the standings for the time being, while Schalke remain in the bottom half on five points, with their tally of just four goals continuing to be a concern.