Mainz Comeback Stuns UEFA Conference League Rivals Fiorentina
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee scored in the 95th minute to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory for Mainz against Fiorentina, extending their winning streak to three matches in this season's UEFA Conference League.
Match Summary
- 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
Mainz, already buoyed by prior 1-0 wins over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar, started strongly but fell behind unexpectedly. After Danny Costa’s misdirected pass was intercepted, Simon Sohm seized the chance to score from the edge of the box.
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Roberto Piccoli a quick second goal, while Kacper Potulski made a crucial challenge to stop another dangerous attempt just before halftime.
Early in the second half, Piccoli missed a clear opening, allowing Mainz to strike back. Newly introduced Benedikt Hollerbach quickly leveled the score with a well-worked team effort within three minutes of coming on as a substitute.
Fiorentina substitute Moise Kean "headed over with the goal at his mercy," almost shifting the momentum back to the visitors.
In the end, fortune favored Mainz as Jae-Sung Lee headed home a cross from fellow substitute Kaishu Sano deep into added time, clinching the win and all three points for the home side.
Next Fixture
Mainz will face Romania's Universitatea Craiova in their next European match on 27 November.
See Mainz's full Conference League fixtures for more details.
"Mainz snatched all three points when Lee headed in fellow sub Kaishu Sano's cross in the fifth minute of added time."
Author’s Summary: Mainz secured a dramatic late win against Fiorentina, demonstrating resilience to continue their perfect start in the UEFA Conference League this season.