UEL: Mainz Keeps Pace at Top with Dramatic Win over Fiorentina

Mainz secures 2-1 win over Fiorentina with Lee's last-gasp header, staying unbeaten in Conference League.

Fiorentina would soon silence the Mewa Arena, though, with La Viola’s first chance resulting in a vital goal...

Mainz edged past Fiorentina 2-1 in a thrilling Conference League match, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Lee. This win keeps Mainz unbeaten in the competition, and they continue to impress. Fiorentina, on the other hand, have struggled against German opposition, losing for the 10th time in 17 meetings.

The match was intense from the start, with both teams showing strong intent. Mainz had an early chance through Nelson Weiper, who directed a header straight at Tommaso Martinelli. Despite the slow start, Mainz's pressure paid off, and they took the lead before Lee's late winner sealed the win.

Fiorentina would soon silence the Mewa Arena, though, with La Viola’s first chance resulting in a vital goal, with Roberto Piccoli laying the ball off to Simon Sohm, who powered a first-time shot past Robin Zentner at his near post.

The Swiss international celebrated his first strike for Fiorentina with all due gusto, but he almost had the limelight snatched away by the provider, as Niccolo Fortini’s ball across goal nearly saw Piccoli slide in at the far post, only to be denied by Zentner’s legs.

Le Gym s’incline.#ogcnscf l #uel pic.twitter.com/y6mxByUBBF

— OGC Nice (@ogcnice) November 6, 2025

Fiorentina created some great chances, especially down the right flank. Dodo's delivery to Jacopo Fazzini led to a shot blocked by Kacper Potulski, and they continued to push for a second goal after the break. Dodo's run down the right led to another promising attack, with Fazzini's shot foiled by Roberto Piccoli's block.

Fiorentina's Roberto Piccoli had a couple of tricky chances, firing wide under pressure from Zentner after being put through on goal at an angle by Sohm. This may have influenced interim coach Daniele Galloppa to substitute him for Moise Kean just after the hour mark. Meanwhile, Mainz made a tactical switch, replacing Paul Nebel with Benedict Hollerbach, which would prove to be a game-changer.

Benedict Hollerbach's impact was immediate, as he sparked the move that led to Mainz's equalizer. Lee Jae-Sung's clever pass found Hollerbach in the box, and he kept his nerve to score from six yards. Hollerbach and Moise Kean, both fresh summer arrivals, looked lively and threatening, giving their team a new boost.

Mainz's winning goal came from Lee, who headed in a cross from Kaishu Sano with the last kick of injury time. This late winner secured a 2-1 win over Fiorentina, keeping Mainz top of the league phase table alongside Samsunspor and Celje.