Conference League: Historic success: Mainz reaches the European Cup quarter-finals

In the sold-out Mainz stadium, Stefan Posch (46th minute) and Armindo Sieb (82nd) ​​scored the goals for Rheinhessen. Mainz ended the game with the advantage because Olomouc midfielder Peter Barath saw yellow-red (76th).

Mainz creates early chances

“We know we can achieve something great today that has never been done here before,” said the currently injured Mainz playmaker Nadiem Amiri on RTL+ before the game and the fans also got their team in the mood for the big opportunity with a great choreography. “Let us banish all doubts, we will make history today,” was the motto.

And on the pitch, Mainz immediately put pressure on them. Phillip Tietz was denied by the attentive Olomouc goalkeeper Jan Koutny from a slightly tight angle (5th), Nelson Weiper headed straight into the arms of the goalkeeper from a promising position (9th). On the other side, Danijel Sturm had the first opportunity for the guests. However, the Slovenian did not aim precisely enough.

As a result, Mainz remained the better team. However, an attempt from 18 meters by Phillipp Mwene, which flew just wide of the goal, and a header from Weiper did not lead to the longed-for lead.

Dream start after the break

The hosts took care of that straight after the break. Less than a minute had been played after the restart when Paul Nebel crossed into the penalty area and the moved-up central defender Stefan Posch gave Koutny no chance to defend with a well-placed header. It was the Austrian’s first goal in a competitive game for Mainz.

The Fischer team was looking for a quick decision. The 13th place in the table compensated for the absence of creative player and exceptional footballer Amiri. the Bundesliga is good.

Tietz as an asset – fog to the crossbar

Mainz continued to put pressure on. Above all, the very active and conspicuous Tietz repeatedly caused alarm in and around the opponent’s penalty area. Almost ten minutes after the 1-0, the 28-year-old failed to get through with a pass to the free-standing Weiper and then shot over the goal from a good position.

The starting position for Mainz nevertheless improved: after a foul on Tietz, Barath had to leave the pitch. Nebel shot the subsequent free kick onto the crossbar. Substitute Sieb made everything clear with his goal. The people of Mainz can now look forward to at least two more European festival evenings.

First of all, however, the league is about important points in the fight to stay in the league. On Sunday the FSV welcomes Eintracht Frankfurt to their home stadium.