Mainz Comeback Stuns UEFA Conference League Rivals Fiorentina
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee scored deep into added time as Mainz overturned a deficit to beat Fiorentina and extend their winning streak to three matches in this season's UEFA Conference League.
Match Summary: Mainz 2-1 Fiorentina
- 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 starting strongly with two 1-0 wins over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar, Mainz conceded against the run of play. Danny Costa’s misplaced pass allowed Fiorentina to build the move that ended with Sohm’s precise finish from the edge of the box.
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Roberto Piccoli a second goal soon after, while Kacper Potulski made a crucial challenge to stop an Italian attack just before halftime. Early in the second half, Piccoli missed a clear chance to increase Fiorentina’s lead.
Mainz equalized quickly when substitute Benedikt Hollerbach finished a well-crafted team goal less than three minutes after coming on. Fiorentina’s substitute, Moise Kean, narrowly missed a headed chance, heading over the bar with an open goal.
"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."
With this dramatic win, Mainz continues their impressive start in the Conference League. They will face Romania's Universitatea Craiova in their next European match on 27 November.
Upcoming Fixture
Mainz vs Universitatea Craiova – 27 November
Author's Summary: Mainz showcased resilience with a last-gasp winner against Fiorentina, maintaining their perfect start in the UEFA Conference League and boosting their European ambitions.