Dortmund Match Recap: BVB hang on against Mainz to win 2-1

Dortmund won 2-1 against Mainz today rising to the top of the Bundesliga table. After a bad loss last week Dortmund really needed to bounce back. While the second half of this game was rough a win is a win. The Dortmund goals were both from Sancho with Gotze and Delaney assists respectively. The Mainz goal was from Jean Quaison.

The first half went great for BVB. we dominated the entire first 45 minutes. We kept over 70% possession from Mainz and had our fair share of chances. The first goal came from a Wolf long cross to Gotze, who then served it up for Sancho to finish nicely. Five minutes later Gotze got the ball to Delaney who laid it off to the Sancho to complete his brace. We had some more chances in the first half, with Gotze noticeably making some big passes, but the 2-0 scoreline stuck at 45’.

The second half was quite embarrassing for BVB. After a good 15 minute stretch to start the half, Dortmund gave up most possession to Mainz. From 60 on it was all Dortmund bunkering down and letting Mainz do what they please. Burki had some nutty saves in this stretch, although I am sure he would not have wanted to be put in this situation to start with. It did not help Favre really didn’t have any good options for subs either. He ended up putting on Phillip, Zagadou and Toprak for JBL,Wolf and Gotze throughout the half. The Mainz goal was just silly season from Dortmunds backline as they let Quaison make his run and take his shot with ease. After 10 more minutes of bunkering and some really close chances, including a triple save from Burki, Dortmund managed to limp away with the win.

Overall this game was not great for BVB. we are still plagued by chaos when the opposing team gets into a rhythm. If we are to fight Bayern down this stretch we need to kill games and not let setbacks end our game plan. Due to his second half heroics, I’d say Burki was our MOTM.

What did you think of the game?