FSV Mainz 05 has reached the round of 16 in an international competition for the first time in club history with a 2-0 win over Samsunspor. Goals came from captain Silvan Widmer and Nadiem Amiri, as coach Urs Fischer enjoyed a successful home debut. Despite languishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga, the achievement marks a historic milestone.
FSV Mainz 05 has set a milestone in the UEFA Conference League. On Thursday evening, the team defeated Turkish first-division side Samsunspor 2-0 (1-0) in the sold-out Mewa Arena in front of 33,000 spectators, advancing to the round of 16 in a European competition for the first time. The Rhinelanders bypass the February playoffs and resume knockout play on March 12.
Under new coach Urs Fischer, who led his first home game, the Mainzers showed superiority from the start. National team player Nadiem Amiri, returning from injury, missed a big chance in the 11th minute when his shot from eight meters was blocked. Goalkeeper Daniel Batz prevented a deficit on the other end against Emre Kılınç. Just before halftime, captain Silvan Widmer scored the 1-0 with a low shot from a tight angle (44th minute).
After the break, a handball by Samsunspor defender Rick van Drongelen in the penalty area led to a spot kick, which Amiri converted confidently (49th minute). The Mainzer defense held firm, and Samsunspor created no notable chances afterward. The opponents are coached by German Thomas Reis, who previously worked at VfL Bochum and Schalke 04.
This success followed a surprising 2-2 draw at FC Bayern Munich last weekend and two draws under Fischer. However, players like Nikolas Veratschnig (suspended), Sota Kawasaki, Robin Zentner, and Phillipp Mwene were absent due to injury or suspension. In the Bundesliga, Mainz remains bottom of the table and faces FC St. Pauli in a relegation battle on Sunday.
