Mainz comeback stuns UEFA Conference League rivals Fiorentina
Substitute Jae-Sung Lee scored deep into added time as Mainz overturned a deficit to defeat Fiorentina, extending their winning streak in this season's UEFA Conference League to three matches.
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, Mainz fell behind despite controlling the game. Danny Costa’s misplaced pass allowed Fiorentina to build an attack that ended with Sohm finishing confidently from the edge of the box.
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner made a vital save to deny Piccoli a second, and Kacper Potulski’s timely challenge prevented another Fiorentina chance just before halftime.
Early in the second half, Piccoli missed a clear opportunity, giving Mainz a chance to respond. Hollerbach, coming off the bench, quickly made an impact by finishing a well-worked team goal within three minutes of entering the match.
"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."
Fiorentina had their chances too, with substitute Moise Kean missing a headed opportunity from close range.
Mainz will face Romania's Universitatea Craiova in their next European match on 27 November.
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See Mainz's remaining Conference League matches for the season.
Author's summary: Mainz secured a dramatic late win over Fiorentina, highlighting their resilience and strong start in the Conference League, boosted by decisive substitute performances.