Mainz Comeback Stuns UEFA Conference League Rivals Fiorentina
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee scored deep into stoppage time as Mainz overcame a goal deficit to defeat Fiorentina, maintaining their perfect winning streak in this season’s UEFA Conference League with three straight victories.
Match Summary: Mainz 2-1 Fiorentina
- 0-1: Simon Sohm (assist by Roberto Piccoli), 16'
- 1-1: Benedikt Hollerbach (assist by Jae-Sung Lee), 68'
- 2-1: Jae-Sung Lee (assist by Kaishu Sano), 90'+5
Mainz began positively, bolstered by prior 1-0 wins over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar, but fell behind unexpectedly. A misplaced pass from Danny Costa was seized, leading to Sohm's precise finish from the edge of the box.
Shortly after, goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Roberto Piccoli a second goal. Defender Kacper Potulski also made a crucial block just before halftime, preventing another Fiorentina chance.
Early in the second half, Piccoli missed a key opportunity. Mainz responded swiftly when Hollerbach, introduced as a substitute, orchestrated and finished a well-crafted team move within three minutes of entering.
"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."
Fiorentina’s substitute Moise Kean narrowly missed an equalizer with a header that went over the bar. Mainz’s late goal sealed their victory and extended their flawless record in the competition.
Upcoming Fixture
Mainz will face Romania's Universitatea Craiova in their next European match on 27 November.
Author's Summary
Mainz staged a dramatic late comeback to beat Fiorentina 2-1, extending their winning streak in the UEFA Conference League to three matches with a crucial injury-time header.