Borussia Dortmund 3–1 FSV Mainz 05 Player Ratings: Maximilian Beier’s Brace Keeps Dortmund’s Hopes Alive

Borussia Dortmund and FSV Mainz kick the ball once again in the Bundesliga after a gap of almost half a month as they face off each other in the 27th matchday of the Bundesliga at the iconic Signal Iduna Park.

Though a win for both teams would not significantly affect their positions in the table, it would serve as the fuel and bring back the hunger within the team, which is one thing they haven’t found in their previous matches. This hunger would be pivotal for their upcoming matches which would help them to accelerate their position in the league table. And for this reason, both teams entered the field with courage, determination and grit with a pledge to give it all in the field.

A draw was fine for Mainz, but the same was a disaster for the hosts. The trademark Yellow Wall, which understood the intensity and significance of the match, came in large numbers, ensuring that the visitors were not motivated more than the hosts. They roared and chanted, which surely put the visitors under pressure and made the arena a hell for them.

Dortmund opted for a 3-4-1-2 setup, whereas Mainz fielded themselves in the 3-4-2-1 formation, which indicated that the game was going to be dominated in the midfield.

The game began with high spirits, with both teams making a couple of attacks on either side. The game, as expected, was mostly played in the midfield during the first quarter with constant ground balls and aerial balls seen everywhere in the middle third.

Mainz were relatively playing out the ball very fast in the defensive third, and no player dared to keep the ball with them for more than a certain amount of time as the Dortmund players kept on closing their space restricting them from crafting out play. The Yellow men knew that their job was half done if they found space in between the opponent’s backline, and they were desperate for that.

However, it was seen that Mainz was courageous enough to take risks in the midfield by making some cunning passes and moves, but the hosts stood on par with the visitors by making sure that they did not cross the yellow territory. The Mainz players were also seen slipping while coming to the attacking third due to the pressure from the fans.

Dortmund, who understood that their opponents were under pressure, gave out an extra performance, constantly knocking on the target, and this aggressive attack was too much for the Mainz defenders and the goalkeeper to handle. In quick succession, to be precise in a gap of just 3 minutes, the hosts shook the net twice thanks to the services of Beier and Can, who just had to tap in and head the ball respectively. At half time, the score was 2-0 in favour of the men in yellow.

The second half began with Mainz desperately attacking to score a brace to at least equalize the score. But the changed approach from offensive to defensive by Dortmund made their job difficult.

Dortmund, who won a corner by then, scored yet again by the services of Beier and it was immediately struck back by Mainz through Nebel.

Here are the Borussia Dortmund vs FSV Mainz 05 Player Ratings.

Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings

GK – Gregor Kobel– 7.5/10

Although he was not put to a real test for the vast majority of the match, he was pretty sharp in his goal, making a few nice saves whenever the ball came against him. In the second half, he made a very impressive double save that, if he missed, was a sure shot goal. It was one of the focal points of the match.

CB – Nico Schlotterbeck – 8/10

Exposed the weakness of Mainz which was the gap in their three-man defence. Made initiatives in the attack very early into the game by making a couple of shots from outside the box. Played the role of both a left back and center back by properly shadowing anyone who came to attack from both the wings and middle.

CB – Emre Can – 7.5/10

Scored the second ball by standing tall in the second post, doubling Dortmund’s delight. Did not have to give pace to the ball and just had to connect it which he did properly. Was also integral in the backline, making some important interceptions.

CB – Waldemar Anton – 7/10

His physicality and presence of mind combined kept the Mainz attackers just too easy for him. Made some clean tackles and interceptions and kept the ball away from the box

LM – Julian Ryerson– 6.5/10

Was pivotal on the left flank, providing support for Karim Adeyemi in the attack. It was because of the belief that Julian Karim went a bit deeper into the attack rather than staying in the midfield. Along with midfield, he also played a wing-back role supporting the defenders

CM – Pascal Groß- 6/10

Along with the midfield, he also made some constant visits to the attacking third, which would have added pressure to the already confused Mainz backline.

CM – Salih Özcan – 6/10

Did not have a great impact compared to his fellow teammates. However stood solid in the middle and made some clearances.

RM- Yan Couto – 6/10

He was seen physically involved in the game, which put him under the referee’s booking in the final minutes of the first half, which correlated to his restricted gameplay further in the game. The safe play by the player caused some troubles in the midfield, and he was subbed off within the first 15 minutes of the first half.

AM – Julian Brandt– 7/10

Connected the balls properly to Beier and Karim in multiple instances throughout the match. Almost won all the duels, both aerial and ground, along wth the long balls proving his worth.

CF – Maximilian Beier – 8.5/10

Properly positioned himself inside the box to receive a pass from Karim which he just had to tap in to break the deadlock. Came out of the marking by the opponent defender to put his head to the corner doubling his goal contribution.

CF – Karim Adeyemi – 7/10

Was very active causing trouble for the Mainz backline, especially through the left flank. Along with making shots, he also made some key passes from both inside and outside the box. Properly executed the ball which came to him, which he assisted correctly to Beier

Sub – Daniel Svensson – 6/10

Sub – Niklas Süle – 6.5/10

Sub – Carney Chukwuemeka – 6.5/10

Sub – Ramy Bensebaini – NA

Sub – Jamie Gittens – NA

Coach – Niko Kovač – 7/10

Understood the assignment that if the gaps in the opponent’s box were filled by his men he could assure the win. Communicated the same idea properly. Once the lead was assured he shifted his attacking approach and defended for the remaining game and got the win, gaining momentum for the future matches. Would be a happy man at the end of the day

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FSV Mainz 05 Player Ratings

GK – Robin Zentner – 7/10

Though he stood strong and was composed in the vast majority of the first half, he succumbed to conceding two goals in quick succession due to the sloppy defence. Also, in the third goal, he had nothing much to do. Although he did well individually was struggling wherever team effort was needed

CB – Andreas Hanche-Olsen – 5.5/10

Was under some serious pressure throughout the minutes played failing to make contact with the ball when the team required him the most. Gave a lot of space for the yellow jerseys to infiltrate in which they properly capitalized.

CB – Moritz Jenz – 7/10

Made some tackles and clearances on the left side of the box, which mainly came from Karim Adeyemi. Was the key reason that the number of goals scored by Dortmund was restricted to three, as the other defenders could not have much impact? Stood strong and did his part to the best.

CB – Danny da Costa- 5.5/10

Was involved in multiple duels, which the opponents easily went through. Lacked communication and coordination with the keeper and the other defenders. Missed the ball multiple times, and the carelessness of the player laid the foundation for the second goal for Dortmund.

RM – Anthony Caci – 5.5/10

Had a disappointing day. Was concentrated only in the opponent’s box and made only a few cameo visits in the defence. Was involved in about a dozen duels out of which he won none.

CM – Kaishu Sano – 6.5/10

Though he had a rather silent first half, he displayed his presence by making some shots in the initial minutes of the first half, adding a rhythm to their game ahead. Created some chances from the midfield as well.

CM –Nadiem Amiri – 6.5/10

Had a decent display of action, making some interceptions in the midfield. Somehow, out of desperation managed to help reach the ball to Nebel, adding an assist to his name.

LM – Silvan Widmer – 6/10

He was seen everywhere on the left flank from one end to the other, but had no impact whatsoever in the game. Had a very weak passing accuracy and the number of touches made was also minimal.

AM – Jae-sung Lee – 6/10

Even though he received the balls multiple times inside the box, he was not able to find the back of the net. Made contact with the ball almost everytime when the ball came to him but failed at conversion.

AM – Paul Nebel– 7/10

Was key in pressing the opponent defenders in the attacking third. Created a key chance in the very initial minutes by making a carpet pass inside the box by recovering the ball from the Dortmund defenders. Scored a consolation goal from inside the box, which gave a ray of hope for Mainz.

CF – Jonathan Burkardt – 6.5/10

Was one of the very few players who had a decent impact in the game. Though a striker he was mostly seen winning duels in the middle third, making interceptions rather than his daily routine of taking shots.

Sub – Nikolas Veratschnig – 6/10

Sub – Hyun-Seok Hong – 6/10

Sub – Nelson Weiper – 6/10

Sub – Arnaud Nordin – 6/10

Sub – Armindo Sieb – 6/10

Coach – Bo Henriksen – 5/10

He was frustrated throughout the match as his team failed to capitalize on the opportunities. Even though a loss wouldn’t affect their position much, it is a setback for the upcoming games.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match is Maximilian Beier.

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