Despite a challenging 2025/26 Bundesliga season where Mainz 05 battled relegation, the unwavering support of their home crowd proved crucial during their historic UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) journey. Following their pivotal roles in Thursday’s UECL victory that propelled Mainz into the quarterfinals, Stefan Posch and Danny da Costa, key players for the Rheinhessen club, expressed their gratitude to the fans for yet another evening adorned with stunning choreographies.
A Memorable European Night in Mainz
Da Costa had previously experienced the team’s initial two victories in the UECL group stage last autumn. Mainz’s passionate ultra supporters were particularly impactful during the late October home win against Zrinjski Mostar, and again a few weeks later during a significant victory over ACF Fiorentina.
Mainz’s impressive performance in the UECL group stage allowed the Bundesliga club to bypass the playoff round. This achievement, secured before the year’s end, marked them as the furthest advancing German team in the competition’s relatively brief history.
Stefan Posch, who returned to the Bundesliga with Mainz during the January transfer window, was experiencing the distinctive Thursday night atmosphere at the MEWA Arena for the first time. The former Hoffenheim stalwart chose an opportune moment to net his inaugural goal for his new team.
Players Express Gratitude to Supporters
“The atmosphere was simply outstanding and incredible,” Posch commented in the mixed zone. “We repaid their faith. We were tasked with making history, and that’s precisely what we achieved. We are on the right path, performing well under pressure. We need to maintain this momentum, and hopefully, the atmosphere will be just as electrifying for our next match.”
Danny da Costa, who brought valuable European experience from his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, added, “Everyone got swept up in the emotion because European nights are truly something special. These opportunities don’t come often in a player’s career. You dream of them as a child, so to be a part of it now makes it incredibly meaningful. That extra motivation might have contributed to my performance today.”
