Mainz 05 before the dream: The path to the Conference League leads via Trondheim!

Mainz 05 before the dream: The path to the Conference League leads via Trondheim!

On August 14, 2025, FSV Mainz 05 will face an exciting challenge. The Bundesliga club wants to secure a place in the group stage of the UEFA Conference League. The way there is through Rosenborg Trondheim, who will face each other in the playoffs. After an exciting first leg in Norway, where the ball rolls next Thursday, the second leg in Mainz will take place a week later. The last games of the third qualifying round proved that the Norwegian club is not to be underestimated - Rosenborg won the second leg against Hammarby IF 1-0 thanks to a goal from Dino Islamovic in the 59th minute. The first leg played before, however, ended goalless with a score of 0-0. Successful progress in the playoffs would not only promote Mainz to the group stage, but also guarantee minimum revenue of over three million euros.

What about the city of Mainz, which serves as the club's home? The state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate is the 35th largest city in Germany with around 223,000 inhabitants. Mainz, a pretty city on the left bank of the Rhine, benefits from a mild climate, which makes it particularly successful in wine production. The city also has a lot to offer historically: it was founded in the first century BC by the Roman general Nero Claudius Drusus and played a central role in the Holy Roman Empire.

A city full of history and culture

The city is not only known for its wine, but is also home to numerous cultural events, including the second largest carnival celebrations in Germany, second only to Cologne. The Mainz Carnival Night also attracts many visitors every year. The city is also an important transport hub: Mainz Central Station is one of the busiest in Germany and the connection to Frankfurt International Airport is another plus point for travelers and business people.

But it's not just the historical and economic aspects that shape Mainz. The city is a melting pot of cultures, home to communities from Turkey, Italy and Poland. This diversity ensures a colorful atmosphere and brings a breath of fresh air into cultural life. In addition, Mainz is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “ShUM Sites Speyer, Worms and Mainz”, which is recognized for its Jewish heritage. History is kept alive here and even Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, was born here.

A look into the future

For FSV Mainz 05 it's now about motivating the team and turning things around. A good start to the playoffs could expand the possibilities for the future season and have a lasting impact on the sporting landscape in Mainz. The fans are excited about the upcoming games and hope for an exciting journey through the Conference League. Will next Thursday offer the long-awaited turnaround? We can be excited!