Even without Lee Jae-sung (34, Mainz), 1. FSV Mainz 05 did not stop. If anything, it ran even more relentlessly. Mainz moved close to the club's first-ever semifinal appearance in a European competition.
1. FSV Mainz 05 beat Strasbourg 2-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals of the 2025-2026 season at MEWA Arena in Mainz, Germany, on the 10th (Korean time). Having won by two goals at home, Mainz will be in a much more favorable position for the second leg, which will be played away in Strasbourg, France, on the 18th.
Most of all, it was significant. By reaching the quarterfinals in this competition, Mainz had already written a new high in the club's history in European competition. They did not stop there. Only one step remained to reach the semifinals.
However, there was one very important name missing from Mainz that day. Key midfielder Lee Jae-sung was left out of the squad. The club said it was due to a toe injury. They said his recovery would need further monitoring but indicated it did not seem likely to lead to a long-term absence.
Lee Jae-sung was one of the protagonists who led Mainz's run on the European stage this season. He led a 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, the biggest hurdle in the league phase, with a goal and an assist, and he also provided an assist in the final match that sealed direct progression to the round of 16. He showed his presence at decisive moments, alternating between starts and substitute appearances. This was only the second time in this competition that Lee Jae-sung had been absent.
The gap was filled by the younger players. They were aggressive from the start.
Mainz struck first in the 11th minute of the first half. Sano Gaishu initiated the press himself. He stole the ball in the opponent's half and drove forward. Pushing up to just outside the penalty area, he did not hesitate. His strong curled shot with his right foot flew into the upper right corner of the goal. The goalkeeper threw his body but could not stop it. Mainz instantly took control of the momentum.
The momentum grew. Just 8 minutes later, in the 19th minute of the first half, an additional goal came. It was from a corner kick. Paul Nebel's cross was met by Stephan Posch. Posch, a defender, was completely free behind the goal. He chose a right-footed volley rather than a header, and the ball was sucked into the upper right corner. It was a sensorial finish that turned an xG 0.06 chance into a goal.
In an instant it was 2-0. Mainz did not lose the flow afterward. Early in the second half, Philipp Tietz and Nelson Weiper each had chances to add to the score, and in the final minutes of the match, Armindo Sieb came close to a clinching goal. Strasbourg also fought back. In the 29th minute of the second half, Valentin Barco's shot hit the crossbar, and Diego Moreira and Julio Enciso also had shots. Mainz goalkeeper Daniel Batz held firm until the end.
Mainz ultimately finished the match without conceding. The 2-0 score was a more valuable victory than the number alone suggests. The team did not wobble without Lee Jae-sung, and even the young players and defenders contributed goals. The European fairy tale Mainz and Lee Jae-sung are writing together continues.
The problem starts now. The schedule ahead of the second leg is unfavorable for Mainz. Strasbourg postponed its weekend league match under Ligue 1's consideration policy for teams in European competition. After a full week of rest, they will play the second leg at home.
By contrast, Mainz must travel to France immediately after playing a Bundesliga match against Freiburg on the 13th. It will be a hectic schedule.
The choice is clear. The stage Mainz must focus on most right now is not the Bundesliga. In the league, the team that once fell to the relegation zone has risen to ninth. The point gap is too large to realistically catch up to European qualification spots in the remaining matches. Realistically, the Conference League is closer and more important.
They can lift the club's first European trophy in history. At the same time, they would secure a ticket to next season's UEFA Europa League. If Lee Jae-sung returns, Mainz's dream may no longer remain just a dream.
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