Mainz Comeback Stuns UEFA Conference League Rivals Fiorentina
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee scored in the fifth minute of added time as Mainz overturned a one-goal deficit to beat Fiorentina 2-1, extending their winning streak in this season’s UEFA Conference League to three matches.
Match Summary
- Score: 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
After two 1-0 wins over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar, Mainz started the match well but fell behind unexpectedly. Danny Costa’s misplaced pass allowed Fiorentina to create a chance leading to Simon Sohm's precise finish at the edge of the box.
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Roberto Piccoli a second goal soon after, while Kacper Potulski made a critical goal-saving challenge just before half-time. Early in the second half, Piccoli missed an easy chance before Mainz struck back.
Key Moments
Benedikt Hollerbach, coming on as a substitute, played a key part in the equalizer, scoring a fine team goal less than three minutes after entering the game. Fiorentina had a chance to regain the lead when substitute Moise Kean headed over from close range.
"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."
Mainz secured the win with Lee’s decisive header, assisted by Sano, sealing the comeback in dramatic fashion.
Upcoming Fixture
Mainz will next travel to Romania to face Universitatea Craiova in their UEFA Conference League fixture on 27 November.
Author’s summary: Mainz showed resilience and fortune to complete a thrilling late comeback against Fiorentina, marking their third consecutive win in the Conference League group stage.