Mainz Comeback Stuns UEFA Conference League Rivals Fiorentina
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee scored deep into added time as Mainz overturned a deficit to defeat Fiorentina, extending their perfect start in this season’s UEFA Conference League to three wins.
Match Summary
- Mainz 2-1 Fiorentina
- Goals:
- 0-1 Simon Sohm (assist: Roberto Piccoli) – 16'
- 1-1 Benedikt Hollerbach (assist: Jae-Sung Lee) – 68'
- 2-1 Jae-Sung Lee (assist: Kaishu Sano) – 90'+5'
Match Highlights
Following their 1-0 victories over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar, Mainz began strongly but surprisingly fell behind during open play. Danny Costa’s misplaced pass led to a chance that Simon Sohm confidently converted.
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Roberto Piccoli from doubling Fiorentina’s lead soon after, while Kacper Potulski’s crucial intervention stopped an Italian attack just before half-time.
Early in the second half, Piccoli missed a clear chance, and Mainz quickly responded. Benedikt Hollerbach, who came on as a substitute, orchestrated and finished a well-worked team goal within minutes of entering.
Fiorentina nearly regained the lead when Moise Kean headed over from close range, but Mainz’s fortune held firm.
"Lady Luck was clearly shining on the home side, who snatched all three points when Lee headed in fellow sub Kaishu Sano's cross in the fifth minute of added time."
Next Fixture
Mainz will face Romania's Universitatea Craiova in their next European match on 27 November.
Author's Summary
Mainz secured a dramatic late win over Fiorentina, maintaining their unbeaten run in the UEFA Conference League with resilient teamwork and crucial substitute goals.