During the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, Mainz 05 may have been focused on avoiding relegation, but the unwavering support from their local fans was a constant during their remarkable run in the Conference League. Following their pivotal role in their quarterfinal qualification in the UECL on a memorable Thursday night, players Stefan Posch and Danny da Costa took a moment to express their gratitude to the fans for their stunning choreographies.
A Magical European Night in Mainz
Da Costa participated in the first two victories during the UECL group stage last autumn, where the animated supporters in the ultra section made a significant impact during the late October win against Zrinjski Mostar and the match against ACF Fiorentina shortly thereafter.
Due to Mainz’s impressive performance in the UECL group stage, they were able to advance directly to the knockout stages, marking them as the furthest advancing German club in the brief history of the competition before the end of the calendar year.
Posch – who was recruited back to the Bundesliga by Mainz in January – hadn’t yet experienced the electric atmosphere of a Thursday night at the MEWA Arena but chose a perfect moment to score his first goal for the club.
Posch and Da Costa Express Their Gratitude
“The atmosphere was simply outstanding and incredible,” Posch reflected in the mixed zone. “We wanted to repay the fans. We were called upon to make history, and that’s exactly what we did. We’re on the right path. We step up when the pressure rises. We have to continue like this. Hopefully, the atmosphere will be just as vibrant for our next match.”
“Everyone got a bit swept away by the atmosphere because European nights are extraordinary,” added Da Costa, who has experience from his time at Eintracht Frankfurt. “Opportunities like these are rare in your career. I loved them even as a kid, and being part of it now makes it even more special. I think it brought out an extra effort in me today.”