Mainz have winning start to Conference League campaign ended by shock loss to Craiova

Universitatea Craiova secured back-to-back wins in a European main draw for the first time since 1990 as Assad Al Hamlawi’s second-half penalty earned them an impressive 1-0 victory over Mainz in the UEFA Conference League.

Coming into the contest as one of three sides yet to drop a point in the league phase, Mainz edged a closely fought opening 20 minutes in Romania, with Arnaud Nordin powering an angled effort wide of the target.

Both teams looked to stamp their authority on proceedings as the first half progressed, but clear-cut chances came at a premium, as Steven Nsimba saw a dangerous close-range strike blocked for the hosts.

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After an uneventful opening period, the visitors tried to up the ante at the start of the second half, with plenty of possession in the final third. However, the Craiova rearguard continued to frustrate the 05ers, as Ben Bobzien saw a long-range effort superbly blocked.

The hosts grew in confidence with time ticking into the final half-hour, and they took a shock lead in the 67th minute when Kacper Potulski was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Alexandru Cicaldau, allowing Al Hamlawi to step up and confidently convert from 12 yards.

Having picked up just two wins from their last eight away matches in continental competition (D2, L4), Mainz went in pursuit of an immediate response.

Bo Henriksen’s side thought they’d found a late equaliser when Potulski powered a brilliant header into the far corner from Nadiem Amiri’s delivery, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside.

That was as close as the visitors came to snatching a point, as Craiova held firm in the final stages to extend their unbeaten home record in the Conference League to 10 matches (W7, D3).

Flashscore Man of the Match: Vladimir Screciu (Universitatea Craiova)

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