Racing Strasbourg secured a 4-0 victory in the second leg of their Conference League quarter-final against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Thursday evening. This result erased the 0-2 deficit they suffered in the first leg.
After an evenly matched opening period, the home team gradually took control and took the lead in the 26th minute through Sebastian Nanasi. Before halftime, Abdoul Ouattara increased the advantage in the 35th minute, converting a cross from Julio Enciso with a header to make it 2-0. To their offensive detriment, Mainz struggled to create clear chances and were fortunate to maintain that halftime scoreline.
Shortly after the break, although Mainz briefly steadied themselves, they were unsuccessful in creating any real scoring opportunities. The decisive moment arrived within minutes: Julio Enciso extended the lead to 3-0 in the 69th minute. Just five minutes later, Emmanuel Emegha sealed the win with a header in the 74th minute. Earlier, Emegha had already had a chance to score from a penalty, but it was saved by Mainz goalkeeper Daniel Batz in the 66th minute.
In the final phase of the match, Strasbourg maintained full control, while Mainz could not generate significant scoring chances despite their efforts. With this win, the French side advances to the semi-finals following a noticeable improvement in their performance, marking the end of 1. FSV Mainz 05’s European campaign.
