Mainz vs Rosenborg prediction 28.08.2025 | Conference League Qualifiers

Mainz had an excellent season behind them as they finished sixth, finally securing European Qualifiers for the first time since the 2016/17 season. To be fair, they could have had an even better season as they were super close to reaching fourth place and the Champions League. Unfortunately for them, they won just once in the last nine games and missed the CL by five points. 

In the offseason, they did a fantastic job, winning four out of five games, including a win over the English FA Cup winner, Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, they weren't great in the official season as they lost in the Conference League against Rosenborg and in the Bundesliga opener against FC Koln. 

In the last game vs FC Koln, the team's starting striker, Benedict Hollerbach, suffered an injury and will most likely miss the upcoming Rosenborg game.

Rosenborg, a 26-time Norwegian champion, havent won a title since the 2018 season! Last year, they finished fourth, barely securing Europe. Since Eliteserien has a different calendar from most football leagues around Europe, Rosenborg have already played half of the current season. Once again, they are not among the title contenders, considering they sit in fifth place with 30 points in 18 rounds - 12 away from the top spot, although with a game played fewer.

In Europe, Rosenborg started the competition from the second round, eliminating Banga (7:0) and Hammarby (1:0). Now, they have a good situation before the second leg vs Mainz and only need a draw to advance. 

After a 2:1 win over Mainz in the first leg, coach Alfred Johansson spoke to the media. He praised the team for their performance, saying the team is growing constantly. "First and foremost, I believe that was a strong performance by the team today. We played in an offensive mode, combined with defensive intensity. It suited the team very well," the coach added.