Mainz comeback stuns UEFA Conference League rivals Fiorentina
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee found the net deep into added time as Mainz overturned a deficit to defeat Fiorentina 2–1, maintaining their perfect start in the UEFA Conference League with a third consecutive win.
Match Summary
- Mainz 2–1 Fiorentina
- Goals: 0–1 Sohm (assist: Piccoli) 16', 1–1 Hollerbach 68' (assist: Lee), 2–1 Lee 90'+5 (assist: Sano)
First Half
Mainz began confidently after earlier victories over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar but conceded first when Danny Costa’s misdirected pass set up Fiorentina’s opener. Simon Sohm capitalized with precision after Roberto Piccoli helped move the play forward. Keeper Robin Zentner denied Piccoli soon after, while Kacper Potulski’s late defensive intervention kept Mainz within reach before halftime.
Second Half
Fiorentina could have doubled their advantage early in the second half, but Piccoli missed the target. Mainz responded as Benedikt Hollerbach, entering as a substitute, started and finished a flowing team move to level the score within minutes. A header from Fiorentina substitute Moise Kean narrowly missed, leaving Mainz still in the game.
Late Drama
Fortune favored Mainz in stoppage time when Jae-Sung Lee, also off the bench, connected perfectly with Kaishu Sano’s cross to secure a remarkable comeback win.
“Lady Luck was clearly shining on the home side, who snatched all three points.”
Mainz will next face Universitatea Craiova in Romania on 27 November in their continuing European campaign.
Author’s Summary
Mainz’s dramatic late victory against Fiorentina preserved their flawless start in the UEFA Conference League, showcasing resilience and decisive impact from their substitutes.