Berlin, Dec. 19 -- Mainz 05 booked a place in the last 16 of a European competition for the first time in their history after a composed 2-0 home win over Samsunspor in the UEFA Conference League league phase.
Knowing victory would secure direct passage into the knockout rounds, Mainz started patiently before gradually taking control. Playmaker Nadiem Amiri set the tone, having an early effort blocked before curling a free kick narrowly wide as the hosts increased the pressure.
Samsunspor, however, almost struck first against the run of play. Goalkeeper Daniel Batz reacted sharply to keep out Emre Kilinc, and the visitors then wasted the rebound when Carlo Holse hit a teammate who was already on the ground.
Mainz made their dominance cou...