Conference League: Racing stumble in Mainz
Two goals in the match's first half hour were enough to power hosts Mainz over RC Strasbourg in the first leg of their Conference League quarterfinal -- catch up on the action with our recap.
Mainz show their cutting edge
After a stirring win over OGC Nice in Ligue 1 McDonald's at the weekend, RC Strasbourg were on the road in the Conference League, facing Bundelsiga side Mainz 05 in a quarterfinal first leg. There was good news in terms of fitness as both Diego Moreira and Emmanuel Emegha were in the squad if not the eleven. As expected, looking to play with a bit more control, Gary O'Neil changed to a 4-3-3 with Maxi Oyedele in a holding role.
Mainz pressed high to start, looking to capitalize on a boisterous home atmosphere, and had their first shot drift wide with just two minutes gone. The hosts' dominance would continue as they won a succession of corners and free kicks, but Strasbourg hold firm until the 11th minute, with Kaishu Sano scoring an incredible goal on the counter, glancing a shot in off the far post. Eight iinutes later the hosts had doubled their lead, with Stefan Posch volleying home unmarked at a corner (19'). From there, Racing showed more initiative, and on 27' Guéla Doué had a chance at corner as the Alsatians grew into the match but couldn't get on the scoresheet, leaving the score 2-0 at the interval.
🔚 Full time in Mainz 🔚
A tough result, but still all to play for at La Meinau next week.#M05RCSA (2-0) pic.twitter.com/L8wWGrZTyP— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) April 9, 2026
Improvement, but still no goals
In second half, Mike Penders had to do well to stop Mainz on the counter (48') and then the Alsatians struggled to clear a corner but once again survived. From there, Racing would grow into the match, even if Mainz still had their share of chances on the counter. Just before the hour, Gessime Yassine played in Julio Enciso, but the Paraguay international shot straight at the Mainz 'keeper.
Midway through the second half, O'Neil would roll the dice by bringing on Emegha and Moreira, and the Belgian was immediately almost on the end of a low cross by Martial Godo. Seven minutes later, Valentín Barco hit the bar after a scything run, and still Racing looked for an opening. Further chances would follow but ultimately, despite showing plenty of promise in the match's final third, Racing will have plenty of work to do in next week's second leg.
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