Mainz's quiet leader Lee Jae-sung shines against Bundesliga giants

With a history of success that includes three K League titles (2014, 2015, 2017) and an AFC Champions League trophy (2016) with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Lee was no stranger to accolades. His standout season in 2017 saw him named MVP after scoring 8 goals and providing 11 assists.

In 2018, he chose to test himself in Europe, moving to Holstein Kiel of the 2. Bundesliga for €1.5 million. His debut was memorable, assisting twice in a 3-0 victory over Hamburg. His legend grew further in 2021 when Holstein Kiel, with Lee playing the full match, knocked Bayern Munich out of the DFB-Pokal in a penalty shootout, Lee converting the decisive kick. That season, Kiel reached the cup semi-finals and promotion playoffs but fell short of ascending to the Bundesliga.

Lee transferred to Mainz in 2021, where he has since featured in 111 matches, scoring 22 goals and assisting 14 times. At the MEWA Arena, he has become known as Bayern's 'kryptonite'.

This narrative continued into the current season when Lee Jae-sung played a crucial role in ending Bayern Munich's unbeaten run. In Mainz's 2-1 victory over Bayern this past Saturday, Lee scored both goals for the home side. His first came from a clever finish after a defensive blunder by Bayern, and the second was a testament to his skill, turning beautifully in the box to double Mainz's lead.

"We have to give it our all, be brave, and defend as one; then we can win," he had stated before the match. His performance on the pitch echoed those words, as he helped Mainz secure a famous win, showcasing his ability to influence games against top-tier opposition.

"Scoring a brace against Bayern is no small feat, but I'm more proud of our collective bravery. It was exhausting but enjoyable," Lee reflected after the match, having covered 11.49 kilometers in a display of his relentless work ethic.

Currently in top form since joining Mainz, Lee has scored four goals and provided two assists in his last five matches, including the double against Bayern, a goal in the 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, and assists in matches against Hoffenheim and in the defeat against Wolfsburg. This form has helped Mainz climb to seventh in the league standings with 22 points, fuelling Lee's dream of European football.

"His work rate, creativity, and goal threat are just phenomenal," praises Niko Bungert, Mainz's sporting director. With his contract secured until 2026, Lee Jae-sung's influence, especially in matches against Bayern Munich, continues to grow.

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