Dortmund 1 - 1 Mainz: Player Ratings

BVB and Mainz 05 resulted in yet another disappointing jettison of two points from an eminently winnable match. A dominant first five minutes disappeared into an evenly matched game marked by the inability of Dortmund’s offense to finish chances and culminated with Mainz poaching a goal in the 83^rd minute.

Positives

We didn’t lose and Raphael Guerreiro had a pretty positive return in his first start in two months.

Negatives

Dortmund completely took their foot off the gas as soon as they bagged their first goal. Mainz were reeling and BVB spurned the chance to finish the match off in the first half.

Manager: 6

Tuchel’s lineup was not to blame for dropping points today. Although Castro’s inclusion instead of Götze raises some eyebrows still.

Bürki: 7

Roman had a really good match in his first back since his broken hand. He showed positive control of his box (aside from one miscalculation with Piszczek in the first half) and came out quickly to snuff out a dangerous ball over the high defensive line. The goal conceded was not his fault.

Piszczek: 4

Lukasz must know where the bodies are buried for him to continue to start over Passlack. He had two dreadful clearances that fell right to the feet of Mainz midfielders and his poor positioning made the equalizing goal by Danny Latza uncontested.

Sokratis: 7

Papa played solidly as he has all season.

Ginter: 6

Matze played far better in this match than against Werder last week. Nothing particularly notable.

Schmelzer: 7

Similar to last week, he played well and added a lot to the attack.

Castro: 4

Played better than last week but was still responsible for a few blunders that could have proved very costly. Almost had an assist on a good cross in the first half. Plays well in the defense but his risky passes and giveaways inevitably turn into counterattacks that leave his mates horribly out of position. Speaks to his lack of self-confidence in his dreadful decision to try to pass through defenders vice take a shot in a one on one with Lössl.

Weigl: 6

Another solid game but unremarkable performance.

Guerreiro: 8

Thank heavens Raph is back. Had the tireless performance and involved in everything like Mario was against Bayern all those matches ago. Was the creative spark during the first dominant phase of the match and his counter pressing was crucial defensively. Went off after 66 minutes.

Schürrle: 8

Andre had a really good match. His tackle and then assist sprung the counterattack that Reus put away. His defensive contributions and tireless work-rate cannot be understated. Could easily have scored two himself as his finishing still leaves something to be desired.

Aubameyang: 6

Was fairly marked out of the game for much of it. It may take a few weeks to get settled after his adventures in Africa. His back must still be hurting after having to carry the country of Gabon on his shoulders for the past two weeks.

Reus: 8

Took his goal extremely well. Pushed the line of Mainz and kept them honest, but as usual, camped offside far too often. Very influential in the counter-press and forced turnovers

Substitutes

Götze: 5

Couldn’t get in the play, though playing alongside Castro does not allow Mario to showcase his abilities.

Dembélé: NR

Looked better than last week, but did not have too much time to impact the match.

Pulisic: NR

Came on far too late for an ineffective Gonzalo Castro and was unable to make a contribution.