FSV Mainz 05 – Samsunspor 2:0 (1:0)
The FSV Mainz 05 reached the round of 16 of an international competition for the first time in the club’s history with a home win against Turkish first division football team Samsunspor. In the Conference League, captain Silvan Widmer scored the goals shortly before half-time (44th) and Nadiem Amiri with a hand penalty directly after half-time (49th). Mainz thus successfully completes the league phase and moves into the round of the last 16.
In front of 33,000 spectators in the sold-out Mewa Arena, Mainz was superior from the start. Mainz’ Nadiem Amiri missed a great chance in the eleventh minute, goalkeeper Daniel Batz prevented Samsunspor from falling behind against Emre Kılınç. Captain Widmer finally gave the hosts the lead with a low shot from a tight angle.
After the break, a handball from Rick van Drongelen ensured that Amiri was able to score for Mainz with a penalty to make it 2-0. The guests were unable to make up for the deficit as the game progressed. Samsunspor were no longer able to gain any significant scoring opportunities; the Mainz defense stood confidently until the end of the game.
Mainz skips the playoff round with the win
Under coach Urs Fischer, FSV Mainz 05 had drawn two competitive games before the game against Samsunspor, including a surprising 2-2 draw against FC Bayern Munich. National player Nadiem Amiri was available again after an injury break against the Turkish first division team. The suspended Nikolas Veratschnig as well as the injured Sota Kawasaki, goalkeeper Robin Zentner and Phillipp Mwene were unable to play.
By moving directly into the round of 16, FSV avoids the playoff round in February; the next international appearance is not until March 12th. Until then, Mainz is concentrating on the Bundesliga, where the team is bottom of the table and is in a relegation battle and will face FC St. Pauli in the basement duel on Sunday.
