Mainz comeback stuns UEFA Conference League rivals Fiorentina

Substitute Jae-Sung Lee scored deep into stoppage time as Mainz overturned a deficit to defeat Fiorentina, marking their third consecutive win in this season's UEFA Conference League.

Match Summary

Fiorentina took an early lead through Simon Sohm at 16', assisted by Roberto Piccoli.
Benedikt Hollerbach equalized for Mainz in the 68th minute, assisted by Jae-Sung Lee.
Jae-Sung Lee sealed the victory in the 90'+5 minute with a header from Kaishu Sano's cross.

Key Moments

Mainz started positively, following earlier 1-0 wins over Omonia Nicosia and Zrinjski Mostar, but fell behind against the flow of play. Danny Costa's misplaced pass allowed Fiorentina to counter, culminating in Simon Sohm's clinical finish.

Goalkeeper Robin Zentner denied Roberto Piccoli a second goal shortly after, while Kacper Potulski's timely challenge prevented another Fiorentina chance before halftime.

Early in the second half, Piccoli missed a clear opportunity, and Mainz responded swiftly. Hollerbach, entering as a substitute, orchestrated and finished a well-executed team move to level the score.

Fiorentina nearly regained the lead when substitute Moise Kean headed wide with the goal open, but Mainz benefited from fortune.

Decisive 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.”

Looking ahead, Mainz will face Romania’s Universitatea Craiova in their next European match on 27 November.

Upcoming Fixture

27 November: Mainz vs Universitatea Craiova

Author's summary: Mainz secured a dramatic late win over Fiorentina, extending their perfect start in the UEFA Conference League through resilient play and timely substitute interventions.

Bundesliga | official website — 2025-11-06