Mainz comeback stuns Fiorentina in UEFA Conference League
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee scored in stoppage time as Mainz overturned a deficit to defeat Fiorentina 2-1, maintaining their flawless start in this season’s UEFA Conference League with three wins in a row.
Match Summary
- Goals: 0-1 Sohm (assist: Piccoli) 16', 1-1 Hollerbach 68' (assist: Lee), 2-1 Lee 90'+5 (assist: Sano)
After back-to-back 1-0 victories over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar, Mainz began with confidence but soon found themselves trailing. A misplaced pass by Danny Costa allowed Fiorentina to capitalize, and Simon Sohm finished precisely from the edge of the area.
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Roberto Piccoli a second goal, while Kacper Potulski’s timely tackle stopped another dangerous Italian attack just before half-time. Early in the second half, Piccoli missed a promising chance that could have doubled Fiorentina’s lead.
Mainz responded through substitute Benedikt Hollerbach, who scored less than three minutes after coming on, finishing a skillful team move. Fiorentina nearly regained the lead when Moise Kean headed over from close range. Fortune stayed with the home side as Jae-Sung Lee, also a substitute, nodded in Kaishu Sano’s cross deep into added time to seal the victory.
"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 Match
Mainz will face Universitatea Craiova in Romania on 27 November for their next European contest.
Author’s Summary
Mainz turned a tough match into a thrilling late victory, with substitutes Hollerbach and Lee driving an inspired comeback against Fiorentina in the Conference League.