Lee Jae-sung (33, Mainz) showcased excellent condition ahead of the national team call-up.
Mainz drew 2-2 with Freiburg in the '2024-25 Bundesliga Round 26' held at the Meva Arena in Mainz, Germany, on the 16th. With 45 points, Mainz maintained 3rd place. Freiburg is 5th with 42 points.
Lee Jae-sung started as a left winger for Mainz and played the full game. In a situation where the team fought with 10 players throughout the second half, Lee was active as the key player in the offense. Hong Hyun-seok, who was on the bench, did not get a chance to play.
The start was good. Mainz scored the first goal. In the 34th minute of the first half, Bukardt tapped in a sharp cross from Kashi with his left foot. Mainz took a 1-0 lead.
In a surprising turn of events, Mainz defender Koer was sent off in the 43rd minute of the first half. As a result, they conceded a goal to Gregory Schürrle in the 58th minute, making it 1-1.
Lee Jae-sung missed a crucial opportunity. In the 66th minute, as Lee surged into the box, he was tackled from behind the moment he got the ball. While Lee fell, no foul was called. Although Lee expressed his frustration, there was no reversal of the decision.
In the 68th minute, Lee Jae-sung’s ball lifted in the box connected with a shot, but it went wide of the goal. Although it was a situation where Lee could take a direct shot, he prioritized a teammate’s chance.
Mainz scored an additional goal. In the 74th minute, after the goalkeeper punched the ball away, player No. 19 crossed it again. Andreas Hanche-Olsen finished it with a header, scoring his first goal of the season. Mainz went ahead 2-1.
Mainz conceded a devastating equalizer to Kübler in the 79th minute. Japanese national team forward Daichi Kamada provided the assist.
Ultimately, Mainz managed to draw even while playing with 10 men in the second half. Lee Jae-sung showed good form.
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