OLOMOUC, Czech Republic – SK Sigma Olomouc are preparing for a significant challenge in the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16, drawing German Bundesliga side 1. FSV Mainz 05. The tie marks a return to European competition against a team from one of Europe’s top five leagues for the first time since a 2018 Europa League qualifying clash against Sevilla at Andrův stadion.
The anticipation is palpable in Olomouc. Head coach Tomáš Janotka expressed his excitement, stating, “This is exactly what you play football for. We’ve gone far in the competition, and finally a team from a top five European league is coming. It will be a great experience for us and the fans. There’s no better time to sell out the stadium than for a match like this. The power of the home environment, considering the number of fans, will push us to a good result even more.”
Mainz, however, presents a formidable opponent. Currently 15th in the German Bundesliga, they are only above the relegation playoff spot on goal difference. Despite their domestic struggles, coach Urs Fischer’s side are considered the favorites heading into the two-legged affair.
Fischer himself acknowledged the challenge Olomouc will pose, but emphasized Mainz’s strengths. “We don’t feel that way. We are playing away against a compact, well-organized, and perfectly coordinated team that has proven its quality. They play directly, vertically, and quickly forward, are dangerous from set pieces, and very efficient. They don’t need many chances to score. The Olomouc players are also physically strong and don’t shy away from challenges. It will be incredibly difficult perform for us,” he said.
Sigma Olomouc are riding a wave of momentum, having won their last four competitive matches. Their recent victory over Lausanne in the Conference League play-off secured their place in the Round of 16 – a stage they haven’t reached in European competition since December 1992. Mainz, meanwhile, received a bye to the Round of 16 after finishing seventh in the group stage.
A significant concern for Olomouc is their depleted defensive options. Currently, only Matúš Malý is available as a center-back, with other defenders sidelined due to suspensions, injuries, or not being registered for the European competition. Janotka addressed the issue pragmatically, saying, “We’ll build around him (Malý) and add other players to him. But seriously, it’s not a big problem. We’ll manage. We’ll replace the players who aren’t available with others. It will be a chance for them to stand out and present themselves.”
The match will be officiated by a Finnish refereeing team, led by Mohammad Al-Emara, and will be broadcast live on Sport 1.
Andrův stadion, the home of SK Sigma Olomouc, has a capacity of 12,474. The stadium, originally named Stadion Míru, was opened in 1940 and is named after Josef Ander, a local businessman and philanthropist who supported football in the region. The venue has undergone several renovations over the years, most recently with the addition of a modern pitch in early March 2026, as evidenced by recent images. A new turf was recently laid at the stadium in preparation for matches like this one.
This match represents a significant opportunity for Sigma Olomouc to test themselves against a Bundesliga opponent and potentially make a deep run in the Europa Conference League. The club’s recent form and the passionate support of their home fans will be crucial as they navigate this challenging tie. For Mainz, the competition offers a chance to salvage a season that has been underwhelming domestically.
The first leg will be played at Andrův stadion in Olomouc, with the return leg to be held in Mainz. The exact date and time of the return leg are yet to be confirmed by UEFA.
Fans eager to follow the action can find updates on the official UEFA website and through Sport 1’s coverage. The match promises to be a captivating encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes, but both determined to progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League.
