Mainz's Kacper Potulski and Universitatea Craiova's Vladimir Screciu battle for the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League soccer match between CS Universitatea Craiova and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Ion Oblemenco Stadium. Constantin Stefan/dpaDPAThu, November 27, 2025 at 8:16 PM UTC·1 min readMainz dropped their first points in the Conference League on Thursday when a modest showing condemned them to a 1-0 defeat at Universitatea Craiova.
Substitute Assad Al-Hamlawi won it for the Romanian hosts with a penalty in the 67th minute after teenager Kacper Potulski brought down Alexandru Cicaldau.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPotulski thought he had redeemed himself and his team when he headed home in the 87th minute, but the goal was nullified after a long video review for offside.
Mainz' best chance was midway in the first half when Dominik Kohr's header was tipped against the crossbar by Craiova keeper Pavlo Isenko.
Mainz, who are struggling in the Bundesliga, lost goalkeeper Robin Zentner in the 24th minute over adductor problems, with Lasse Riess taking his place.
The Germans remain on nine points and still well placed with two games left in the league stage. Craiova have seven after a second win.
Mainz's Nikolas Veratschnig and Universitatea Craiova's Vasile Mogos battle for the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League soccer match between CS Universitatea Craiova and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Ion Oblemenco Stadium. Constantin Stefan/dpa
Universitatea Craiova's Steven Nsimba and Mainz's Lennard Maloney battle for the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League soccer match between CS Universitatea Craiova and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Ion Oblemenco Stadium. Constantin Stefan/dpaAdvertisementAdvertisement
