Mainz defeat Fiorentina 2-1 in Conference League
Mainz maintained their perfect record in the UEFA Conference League with a dramatic 95th-minute winner, earning a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina at the Mewa Arena. This result marked Fiorentina’s 10th defeat in 17 matches against German teams.
Both clubs entered the match as serious contenders for the title, and the game opened with high intensity. Mainz showed early determination as Nelson Weiper, who had scored the decisive goal against Zrinjski Mostar two weeks earlier, forced Tommaso Martinelli into a save with a close-range header.
Fiorentina quickly responded and stunned the home crowd. Roberto Piccoli set up Simon Sohm, who struck a powerful first-time shot past Robin Zentner at the near post.
“It was the Swiss midfielder’s first goal for Fiorentina, celebrated passionately,”
but goalkeeper Zentner later denied Piccoli from adding another when Niccolò Fortini’s low cross almost found him at the far post. Fiorentina could have doubled their lead on 38 minutes when Dodo’s pass reached Jacopo Fazzini, yet teenage defender Kacper Potulski blocked his shot at point-blank range.
After the break, Fiorentina remained dangerous, driving attacks mainly from the right side, but Mainz’s resilience kept them in contention and set the stage for their late triumph.
Author’s Summary
Mainz edged Fiorentina 2-1 in a dramatic clash, preserving their flawless Conference League campaign with a last-minute winner in front of their home fans.