Despite the late withdrawal of top scorer Guirassy, a clinical BVB especially in the first half secured a 2–0 win in Mainz. FSV hit the post just before conceding the opening goal and, down to ten men in the second half, were unable to stage a comeback.
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Borussia Dortmund extended their impressive start to the Bundesliga season with a solid 0–2 away victory over Mainz 05, a result that not only showcased their clinical edge in front of goal but also underlined their growing maturity in managing tricky fixtures.
Despite some early resistance from the home side and a few nervy moments, BVB emerged as deserved winners, with goals from Daniel Svensson and Karim Adeyemi sealing the three points before halftime.
The match began with Dortmund enjoying the bulk of possession, moving the ball patiently in search of gaps, but it was Mainz who threatened first. Still riding high from their emphatic 4–1 triumph at Augsburg, the hosts came into the game with confidence and made three changes: Leitsch, Widmer and the returning Lee were drafted in to replace the suspended Dominik Kohr, the injured Anthony Caci, and Nordin. In the 8th minute, their early intent was clear as Sano tried his luck from distance, though his strike drifted wide of the post.
For all of Dortmund’s control, the opening twenty minutes saw little end product from either side. Both defences were well-drilled, cutting out passes before they could cause real danger. A telling moment came in the 23rd minute when Adeyemi, breaking into the box with pace, was denied by a vital block from Leitsch. It summed up the cautious pattern of the early exchanges: Dortmund controlled territory but lacked penetration, while Mainz were organised and waited for countering chances.
The game’s complexion changed in the 26th minute. Mainz came within inches of opening the scoring when Nebel’s effort from close range struck the post, rattling Dortmund’s defence and energising the home fans. Yet almost immediately, Dortmund showed the ruthlessness that distinguishes them from their opponents. With their very first incisive attacking move, Adeyemi and Beier combined to carve open the Mainz back line. Brandt then picked out the late run of Svensson, who kept his composure to slot past Zentner, giving BVB a 0–1 lead in the 27th minute.
That goal visibly deflated Mainz, who had put so much energy into their defensive work. Although the hosts attempted to respond, Dortmund’s compact defensive unit, marshalled by Mats Hummels and Kobel in goal, gave little away. The visitors struck again just before halftime with a lightning-fast counterattack that typified their approach under pressure. Adeyemi, whose pace was a constant menace, exchanged a sharp one-two with Brandt before finishing clinically in the 40th minute to double Dortmund’s advantage to 0–2.
Halftime arrived with Dortmund comfortably ahead, and the Bundesliga scoreboard showed a round of results beginning to shape the table: Bayern Munich leading Werder Bremen 4–0, Wolfsburg trailing Leipzig 0–1, and Dortmund themselves cruising 0–2 against Mainz. It was another reminder of the fierce competition at the top, with Bayern and Dortmund seemingly locked in a battle for early supremacy.
The second half offered Mainz a chance to mount a response, but their efforts were continually blunted. In the 56th minute, Hanche-Olsen came close to halving the deficit when he rose highest to meet a corner from Nebel. His header, struck firmly from the centre of the box, was brilliantly saved by Kobel, whose reflexes kept Dortmund in control.
Dortmund, meanwhile, continued to rely on Adeyemi’s speed in transition. Twice in the opening stages of the second half, the winger broke into space down the right. On one occasion, his pass towards Brandt was slightly under-hit, and on another, Sabitzer fired high when well-placed. The decisive moment of the half came in the 67th minute when Adeyemi once again raced clear from a long clearance by Kobel. Mainz goalkeeper Zentner, charging off his line, fouled the forward with a desperate sliding challenge just outside the penalty area. The referee showed a straight red card, leaving Mainz with ten men and their hopes of a comeback all but extinguished. Substitute keeper Rieß came on, but the damage was already done.
With a two-goal cushion and a numerical advantage, Dortmund controlled proceedings calmly. They slowed the tempo, kept possession, and denied Mainz any rhythm. The hosts, to their credit, continued to fight and even created a couple of late opportunities. Substitute Bell glanced a header wide, and Nordin came agonisingly close in the 84th minute when his shot flew just over the crossbar. These half-chances, however, did little to threaten the overall balance of the match.
In the closing stages, Dortmund even had the chance to add a third when Brandt found himself in space in stoppage time, but he pulled his shot wide in the 90+2 minute. It mattered little. The final whistle confirmed a 0–2 victory for Dortmund, a professional performance that once again highlighted their defensive solidity and efficiency in attack.
There was also a symbolic moment late in the game as new signing Fabio Silva made his debut in a Dortmund shirt, adding another layer of positivity to the evening. The Portuguese forward’s introduction signalled not just squad depth but also the club’s intent to keep building for the future.
The win takes Dortmund to 13 points from their opening fixtures, keeping them firmly in the chasing pack just behind Bayern Munich. Mainz, meanwhile, remain stuck on four points and must regroup quickly to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle. For BVB, it was another statement of intent: they may not always dominate games for 90 minutes, but their clinical edge and growing resilience are becoming trademarks of their campaign.
Updated: 05:35, 27 Sep 2025
