Mainz will host Strasbourg in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final on Thursday. This match marks the first competitive encounter between the two clubs, which are about 200 kilometers apart. Strasbourg remains unbeaten in the tournament, while Mainz boasts a perfect record at home, winning all four of their matches.
Recent Performances
Under the guidance of coach Urs Fischer, Mainz has seen a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes. After struggling early in the season, they now sit comfortably in the Bundesliga’s top half, following three consecutive victories in early 2026.
- Mainz’s recent wins include 2-1 victories against Eintracht Frankfurt and TSG Hoffenheim.
- Strasbourg has also found success, winning their last two Ligue 1 matches against Nantes and Nice.
European Competition History
This is Mainz’s inaugural appearance in the knockout stages of a European competition. Previously, they competed in a Europa League group stage alongside Saint-Étienne, where both matches ended in draws a decade ago.
Team Updates
The match will see some notable absences for both teams. Mainz is dealing with injuries, as Silas and Benedict Hollerbach are sidelined. Additionally, Sheraldo Becker is not included in the European squad. Nadiem Amiri, the team’s leading scorer, remains doubtful due to a heel injury, having missed the last seven matches.
On the other hand, Strasbourg’s star player Joaquín Panichelli is out for the season with an ACL injury. Fortunately for Strasbourg, captain Emmanuel Emegha has returned from his long-term injury and recently played in a 3-1 victory against Nice.
Predicted Lineups
| Mainz | Strasbourg |
|---|---|
| Batz | Penders |
| da Costa | Doué |
| Posch | Omobamidele |
| Kohr | Doukouré © |
| Widmer © | Chilwell |
| Sano | El Mourabet |
| Mwene | Barco |
| Nebel | Yassine |
| Lee | Nanasi |
| Weiper | Godo |
| Tietz | Enciso |
With both teams in good form and looking to secure a valuable first-leg advantage, this match promises to be an exciting encounter in the Europa Conference League.
