In 2025, Lee Jae-sung (33, Mainz) leads his team in a high-flying performance. He has stood out as South Korea's top player.

1. FSV Mainz 05 defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1 in the 25th round of the 2024-2025 season of the German Bundesliga, held at Borussia Park in Mönchengladbach, Germany, on the morning of the 8th at 4:30 a.m. (Korean time).

With this victory, Mainz recorded 44 points (13 wins, 5 draws, 7 losses) and jumped to third place in the league, surpassing Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Mönchengladbach remained in eighth place with 37 points (11 wins, 4 draws, 10 losses).

Mainz approached the match in a 3-4-3 formation. Lee Jae-sung, Jonathan Burkardt, and Paul Nebel were positioned at the front, while the midfield included Mbene, Nadim Amiri, Sano Kaishu, and Anthony Kashi. The defense was constructed by Dominik Kohr, Moritz Jentz, and Danny da Costa, with goalkeeper Robin Zentner guarding the goal.

Mönchengladbach opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Tim Klein-Dienst led the attack at the front, while Robin Hack, Kevin Stöger, and Nathan Ngumu were stationed in the attacking second line. Philipp Sandler and Julian Weigl served as defensive midfielders, and the defense consisted of Lukas Ulrich, Nico Elvedi, Marvin Friedrich, and Liner. Goalkeeper Jonas Omlin kept goal.

Mainz put pressure on their opponent with aggressive attacks from the start of the match. In the 18th minute of the first half, Nebel's consolidation of Amiri's pass resulted in a long-range shot that missed the goal. Then, in the 36th minute of the first half, Burkardt's powerful shot also went straight to the goalkeeper, failing to lead to a goal.

Mainz scored the opening goal in the 39th minute of the first half. Nebel calmly finished off a precise cross from Lee Jae-sung on the right side, taking a 1-0 lead. This assist marked Lee Jae-sung's fourth assist of the season.

Shortly after the second half began, Lee Jae-sung's presence shone again. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Kohr connected with Amiri's cross from a free-kick situation near the penalty box, and although his first attempt was blocked by Omlin's save, he pushed it again to score an additional goal.

Mönchengladbach also launched a counterattack. In the 28th minute of the second half, Zentner, the goalkeeper, failed to handle Hack's cross properly, and Liner calmly finished to narrow the gap to 2-1.

Mainz quickly solidified their advantage. In the 32nd minute of the second half, after a one-two pass from Lee Jae-sung, Amiri's powerful long-range shot confirmed a 3-1 lead.

According to football statistics outlet 'Footmob', Lee Jae-sung showcased remarkable performance over 87 minutes. He had a passing accuracy of 89% (41/46), created 2 chances, made 1 shot, completed 1 successful dribble, delivered 5 passes in the attacking zone, made 1 tackle, intercepted 3 times, and made 8 recoveries, demonstrating overwhelming performance. He received the highest rating on the team of 8.8 and was named the Player of the Match.

With 2 additional assists in this match, he recorded 6 goals and 5 assists in the league, further proving his value as a key player for Mainz.

With this victory, Mainz climbed to third place in the league, gaining an advantageous position in the competition for a spot in the UEFA Champions League. If they maintain their current level of performance, a successful stint on the European stage can be anticipated.

This season, Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in have been struggling. In the meantime, Lee Jae-sung has been performing at his best on the German stage, not only accumulating individual stats but also directly leading the team's upward momentum, contributing to the team's 'storm'.

Lee Jae-sung also led his team's upward momentum in this match with sharp passes and remarkable activity throughout his playing time. His outstanding performance is expected to be key to the team's victories in upcoming matches. Lee Jae-sung and Mainz are knocking on the door of the Champions League.

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