Mainz Comeback Stuns Fiorentina in UEFA Conference League
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Mainz overturned a deficit to defeat Fiorentina 2–1, keeping their perfect start in the UEFA Conference League intact.
Match Summary
- Goals: 0–1 Sohm (assist: Piccoli) 16'
- 1–1 Hollerbach 68' (assist: Lee)
- 2–1 Lee 90'+5 (assist: Sano)
First-Half Action
Mainz entered the match buoyed by two 1–0 victories over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar. Despite a positive start, they fell behind when Danny Costa's misplaced pass was intercepted, allowing Fiorentina to capitalize. Simon Sohm finished confidently from the edge of the box.
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Roberto Piccoli from doubling the lead soon after, and Kacper Potulski produced a crucial challenge to prevent another goal just before halftime.
Second-Half Turnaround
After the break, Piccoli wasted a clear chance before Mainz equalized. Substitute Benedikt Hollerbach completed a superb team move less than three minutes after coming on, leveling the score at 1–1.
Fiorentina’s substitute Moise Kean missed a golden opportunity with a header over the bar. Mainz then punished that miss deep into added time, when Jae-Sung Lee headed home Kaishu Sano’s precise cross to seal a thrilling win.
"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 are set to face Universitatea Craiova in Romania on 27 November for their next European outing.
Author’s Summary
Mainz triumphed 2–1 over Fiorentina after a late winner from Jae-Sung Lee, marking their third consecutive UEFA Conference League victory.