UECL: Craiova Stuns Mainz 1-0 in UEFA Conference League Upset

Mainz lose to Craiova in UEFA Conference League

Universitatea Craiova beat Mainz 1-0 in UEFA Conference League. Al Hamlawi scores as Craiova shock Mainz.

Mainz have winning start to Conference League campaign ended by shock loss to Craiova...

Universitatea Craiova secured back-to-back wins in a European main draw for the first time since 1990 as Assad Al Hamlawi’s second-half penalty earned them an impressive 1-0 victory over Mainz in the UEFA Conference League.

Coming into the contest as one of three sides yet to drop a point in the league phase, Mainz edged a closely fought opening 20 minutes in Romania, with Arnaud Nordin powering an angled effort wide of the target.

The game was intense, but chances were scarce. Mainz pushed hard in the second half, but Craiova's defense held strong. The visitors struggled to break through, with Ben Bobzien's long-range shot being a notable effort.

Craiova took the lead in the 67th minute, with Al Hamlawi scoring from the spot after Kacper Potulski's foul on Alexandru Cicaldau. Mainz pushed hard for an equalizer, but Craiova's defense remained solid.

We leave Romania empty-handed 😔

1-0 | FT | #UCVM05 pic.twitter.com/epyQLv6OC3

— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) November 27, 2025

Bo Henriksen’s side thought they’d found a late equaliser when Potulski powered a brilliant header into the far corner from Nadiem Amiri’s delivery, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside.

That was as close as the visitors came to snatching a point, as Craiova held firm in the final stages to extend their unbeaten home record in the Conference League to 10 matches (W7, D3).