Mainz vs Rosenborg Prediction & Betting Tips (28 August)

Mainz return to the MEWA Arena with a mission: overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg against Rosenborg and punch their ticket to the UEFA Conference League group stage. The Bundesliga side showed flashes of promise in Trondheim, but defensive lapses and a lack of final-third precision cost them dearly. Coach Bo Henriksen, still navigating early challenges in his tenure, will be banking on Nadiem Amiri’s creativity and the midfield grit of Arnaud Nordin to unlock Rosenborg’s compact setup. With no fresh injury concerns, Mainz are expected to field a high-pressing lineup, aiming to dominate possession and force errors from the Norwegian visitors.

Rosenborg, meanwhile, arrive in Germany riding a wave of confidence. Alfred Johansson’s side has already dispatched Banga and Hammarby in earlier qualifying rounds, and their first-leg win over Mainz was a testament to their tactical discipline and attacking sharpness. Dino Islamović, who returned to the club this summer, has been pivotal—netting four of Rosenborg’s eight goals in the competition so far. Despite losing young stars Sverre Nypan and Marius Broholm to high-profile transfers, the squad has gelled well, with Iver Fossum and Emil Ceide stepping up in midfield. Johansson’s approach has blended youthful energy with veteran savvy, making Rosenborg a dangerous opponent even away from home.

Off the pitch, Mainz have had to rally around their players following incidents of racial abuse directed at Amiri and Nourdin after their DFB-Pokal win over Dynamo Dresden. The club’s public show of solidarity has strengthened internal resolve, and the players seem galvanized heading into this decisive fixture. Meanwhile, Rosenborg’s domestic campaign has been paused to prioritize European progression, a move that reflects their ambition to re-establish themselves on the continental stage. Their recent 4-1 loss to KFUM Oslo was a reminder of their defensive vulnerabilities, but they’ve since tightened up, conceding just once in their last three matches.

With the stakes high and both teams carrying distinct narratives into the second leg, expect a tense, tactical battle. Mainz’s home advantage and Bundesliga pedigree should give them the edge, especially if they can strike early and control the tempo. Rosenborg will likely sit deep and look to counter, hoping Islamović can deliver another moment of magic. In a match that promises drama and narrow margins, a 2-1 win for Mainz feels like the most balanced outcome—enough to level the tie and potentially force extra time, but not without a scare from the resilient Norwegians.

• Summary: 1. FSV Mainz 05 is going head to head with Rosenborg BK starting on 28 Aug 2025 at 19:00 UTC at MEWA Arena stadium, Mainz city, Germany. The match is a part of the UEFA Europa Conference League, Qualification Playoff .
• Referee: Sander van der Eijk