Aachen's victory drew them level on points at 27 with Mainz, whose formidable form in 2007 took them out of the relegation zone to 10th place, but the defeat caused a slip-up to 14th just one point from the danger zone.

Egyptian striker Zidan continued his sensational goal scoring run, but the former Werder Bremen forward missed a penalty seven minutes from time.

Zidan hit his seventh strike in four successive matches in the 14th minute. The Egypt international fired a low shot home on the rebound after his initial attempt which was blocked by the Aachen keeper.

Aachen substitute Laurentiu Reghecampf proved vital for the win after his two set pieces were converted by Jan Schlaudraff and Vedad Ibisevic in the 47th and 49th minutes respectively to seal the victory for the hosts.

More action was to come though as Reghecampf missed from the spot in the 65th minute and Zidan did the same in the 83rd minute when Aachen keeper Stephan Straub saved his penalty kick to deny him his second and deprive Mainz from a precious point.

Elsewhere, Energie Cottbus grabbed a surprising away win and beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 after a brace from Vlad Munteanu and a goal from Shao Jihai cancelled out Alexander Frei's double for the hosts.