Mainz 05 – Borussia Dortmund: Clinical Counters Secure Dortmund Win (0-2)

Borussia Dortmund extended their perfect start to the Bundesliga season with a 2-0 win over Mainz 05 at the MEWA Arena. The result looked comfortable on paper, but the game itself was more closely contested. Mainz created several good chances and were unfortunate not to find the net, while Dortmund showed the clinical edge of a side with title ambitions. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum 

The clash between Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund highlighted two contrasting approaches. Bo Henriksen’s Mainz aimed to build on recent momentum with their trademark aggressive, high-pressing style designed to unsettle opponents. In contrast, Niko Kovač’s Dortmund, missing their injured striker, adopted a pragmatic plan: stay compact defensively and punish Mainz on the break with pace and precision. It was a duel of relentless pressing versus disciplined counter-attacking.

Even without injured striker Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund found decisive contributions through Daniel Svensson and Karim Adeyemi, both set up by the influential Julian Brandt. Mainz’s push for an equaliser was undone in the second half when goalkeeper Robin Zentner received a straight red card, leaving the hosts unable to mount a comeback. Ultimately, Dortmund’s efficiency and composure in key moments made the difference.

Mainz 05 lined up in a 3-4-2-1 focused on pressing and transitions, with Zentner in goal, a back three of Costa, Hanche-Olsen, and Leitsch, and wing-backs Widmer and Mwene providing energy out wide. Sano and Amiri anchored midfield, while Nebel and Lee supported Sieb up front to create overloads and quick combinations.

Dortmund used a similar 3-4-2-1 that shifted into a 5-2-3 . . .