Borussia Dortmund – Mainz: Ryerson’s Quadruple Assists And Blindside Runs Stun Mainz (4-0)

Julian Ryerson stole the headlines after creating a club record by registering a hattrick of assists in the first half. Those crosses were also consistently met by clever blindside runs, which were a significant theme of the match. In the end, it proved to be a one-sided affair as Mainz struggled to land a single blow.

Tactical analysis and match report by Fahd Ahmed.

Borussia Dortmund’s impressive league record this season embodies Johan Cruyff’s quote that says, “If you can't win, make sure you don't lose.” In the 2025-26 campaign, they have just lost one game against Bayern Munich. That form has held them in fairly close proximity to the reigning champions, who have established themselves as one of the best sides in Europe.

Mainz have not enjoyed a similar story this season but quite the opposite. In the first sixteen games, they only won one, with most of the remaining results ending in losses. That form has dropped them close to the relegation zone, which many would not have predicted after their sixth-place Bundesliga finish last season.

There has been more positivity in recent weeks as they strung together three consecutive wins for the first time in over ten months, which has created a bit of a gap against other relegation contenders. Facing Dortmund was a difficult hurdle, but there was hope going into the fixture.

Niko Kovač fielded the exact same eleven that featured in the 2-1 victory against Wolfsburg but for one change . . .