Olomouc, Czech Republic – FK Olomouc faces 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 on Thursday, following a tightly contested goalless draw in Olomouc last week. The match, to be played at the Mewa Arena in Mainz, presents a significant challenge for the Czech side as they attempt to overcome a Bundesliga opponent on their home turf.
Mainz boasts the highest average attendance in the entire Conference League, drawing over 31,000 fans per match to the Mewa Arena, creating a potentially daunting atmosphere for the visiting team. Olomouc coach Tomáš Janotka acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It is likely that it could be chess again. The home side will certainly be more direct, more hungry. But we similarly have to be active. It is difficult to keep a clean sheet against a team from the Bundesliga twice in a row. I would like it, it would be great, but I know it will be difficult.”
Janotka emphasized the importance of his players absorbing the atmosphere without being overwhelmed. “I hope the players can absorb the atmosphere and that it doesn’t affect them too much. It will be a joy to play here. We are not in Mainz as punishment,” he said. Approximately 1,000 Olomouc fans are expected to travel to Germany to support their team, many utilizing a specially chartered train.
Olomouc’s progression to the Round of 16 marks a significant achievement for the club, recalling their quarter-final appearance in the 1986 UEFA Cup, where they faced a formidable Real Madrid. They reached this stage by defeating Swiss side Lausanne. A victory over Mainz would see them face either Strasbourg or Rijeka in the quarter-finals.
Janotka has brought his entire squad to Germany, including players currently nursing injuries or not registered for European competition. The match will be broadcast live on Sport 1, with a Latvian refereeing team led by Andris Treimanis officiating the game.
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