( CNN ) -- Which football team has the best record in one of Europe 's elite leagues ? Well it is n't Barcelona or Real Madrid , Manchester United or Chelsea , or even one of the Milan giants . In fact , a 2-1 victory at the home of German champions Bayern Munich has put this particular side , who are virtually unknown outside their native country , on the verge of entering the record books . The `` Carnival Boys '' of FSV Mainz 05 , the club that represents the city of the same name on the west bank of the Rhine , will equal a Bundesliga record of seven straight wins from the start of the season if they beat Hoffenheim this weekend . Mainz are nicknamed the `` Carnival Boys '' for good reason . From November through to March , every year , the city plays host to the `` Mainzer Fastnacht '' a traditional carnival that places an emphasis on political and literary humor and commentary . It is an important and long-standing event in the German calendar and the football club has embraced the cultural significance that the carnival brings with it . German football expert Rafael Honigstein told CNN that Mainz had risen to the summit of the Bundesliga by creating a similar party atmosphere around the club . `` The youth and exuberance of the side blends in perfectly with the party atmosphere that the city of Mainz cultivates , '' said Honigstein . `` Mainz have always been known as the carnival club . The players have a close link with the fans and go and celebrate with them at the end of each game , win , lose or draw . `` In the past they were just happy to be members of the Bundesliga -- and that was worth a celebration in itself . But now with the success of this young team , some of the players have taken things one step further . `` Three of the players , Lewis Holtby , Andre Schurrle and Adam Szalai , have taken on the self-proclaimed title of the 'Mainz Boyband . ' When anybody scores a goal they start playing imaginary musical instruments . One is the guitarist , one the drummer and also the singer . `` It has become a big theme for the players and the team are riding the crest of a wave on the back of the atmosphere generated by coach Thomas Tuchel , himself only 37 . `` Basically Tuchel is a coaching genius , he is just like ( Real Madrid coach ) Jose Mourinho -- but minus the ego , '' added Honigstein . That interaction with their supporters is another ingredient which sets Mainz apart from the majority of their Bundesliga rivals . Frank Trautman , a spokesman for the Mainz supporters ' club , told CNN : `` The atmosphere for home matches is unbelievable and I love the fact the profile of the team and the city has risen during this winning run . `` For a long time there has been a great rapport between the fans and the players -- and the media have really picked up on the fact that the players like to party with the fans . `` The image of Mainz , both the team and the city , used to be of people and players not to be taken seriously . But now , with our current success , we are being seen in a different light . '' And Mainz 's success on the pitch is now translating to an increased awareness of the city off the pitch . With the carnival just over a month away , the city is now suddenly on the front pages , as well as the back pages , of national newspapers . `` We are starting to get more emails and queries about the carnival and the city , '' Ralf Peterhanwahr -- a press officer for the city of Mainz -- told CNN . `` The team are now being viewed as being young , successful and good looking and that is a great image for the city to have , especially with the carnival almost upon us . `` The people of Mainz love to party and having the team making the headlines is the best advertisement the city can have . Everybody in Germany is talking about Mainz now . '' And not just in Germany ; should Hoffenheim go the same way as Bayern Munich this weekend , the `` Carnival Boys '' will once again be making headlines across Europe .
the west bank minnows Mainz have won their first six matches this season . Their latest victory saw them stun giants Hoffenheim 2-1 at the Allianz Arena . Mainz 's prominence has come under the guidance of young coach Mainz . They will equal the German record of seven straight victories if they defeat Hoffenheim .