Key Takeaways:
- Mainz 05 recorded a 2-1 comeback victory against Fiorentina in the third round of the Conference League main phase
- Jae-sung Lee contributed an assist and scored the winning goal after coming on at half-time
- Fiorentina, following Stefano Pioli’s departure, suffered another defeat but remain on six points after previous wins
Match Overview and Context
Mainz 05 produced a late rally to overturn a deficit and secure a 2-1 triumph over Fiorentina in the third round of the Conference League’s main phase. The German outfit’s resurgence was orchestrated by South Korean substitute Jae-sung Lee, who dramatically changed the course of the match after the break.
With this result, Mainz collected their third consecutive victory in the competition and are now firmly positioned to progress to the next stage. Meanwhile, Fiorentina, bottom of Serie A and reeling from the exit of Stefano Pioli, were unable to convert their early lead into points but retain six points due to previous successes in the group.
Fischio finale. pic.twitter.com/ZKSYlgrVi6
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) November 6, 2025
First Half: Fiorentina Take the Initiative
Fiorentina opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Roberto Piccoli delivered a pinpoint pass to Simon Som inside the penalty area, who responded with a powerful right-footed effort that left Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner powerless – 0:1 to the visitors.
Mainz’s Second-Half Revival
As the match developed, Mainz gradually took control, with increased pressure after half-time. The introduction of Jae-sung Lee and Benedict Hollerbach proved pivotal. Lee set up Hollerbach, who, having just entered the pitch, found himself one-on-one with Fiorentina’s goalkeeper and finished clinically to make it 1:1.
Decisive Moments and Final Statistics
Fiorentina nearly regained the lead in the 78th minute when Moise Kean’s header narrowly missed the target. The contest seemed destined to end in a draw, but in stoppage time, Lee rose to meet a cross from the left, heading home to complete Mainz’s comeback and spark jubilant scenes among the home supporters.
