On April 20, 2013, Borussia Dortmund faced Mainz 05 in a Bundesliga match at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany. Borussia Dortmund secured a comfortable 2-0 victory as they continued to build momentum towards the end of the season, with an eye on their upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Borussia Dortmund: 2 (Marco Reus 1′, Robert Lewandowski 87′)
- Mainz 05: 0
- Possession:
- Borussia Dortmund controlled the game with 59% possession, while Mainz 05 had 41%. Dortmund’s ability to dominate possession allowed them to dictate the tempo of the match, particularly in midfield.
- Shots:
- Borussia Dortmund registered 15 shots, with 8 on target, showcasing their attacking intent throughout the match. Mainz 05 managed 7 shots, with 3 on target, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Dortmund defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Borussia Dortmund had a passing accuracy of 83%, completing 446 passes out of 537 attempts. Mainz 05 had a passing accuracy of 76%, completing 295 passes out of 386 attempts. Dortmund’s superior passing helped them maintain control and create opportunities, particularly in the final third.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Borussia Dortmund made 14 tackles compared to Mainz 05’s 19, reflecting Mainz’s efforts to disrupt Dortmund’s play and regain possession. However, Dortmund’s defense, led by Mats Hummels and Neven Subotić, was solid, keeping a clean sheet and limiting Mainz’s attacking opportunities.
- Set Pieces:
- Borussia Dortmund’s first goal came almost immediately from open play. In the 1st minute, Marco Reus took advantage of a defensive lapse by Mainz to slot the ball past the goalkeeper, giving Dortmund the perfect start. Dortmund continued to press throughout the match but had to wait until the 87th minute to double their lead when Robert Lewandowski finished from close range after a well-worked move.
- Individual Performances:
- Marco Reus was a standout performer for Borussia Dortmund, scoring the opening goal and consistently threatening the Mainz defense with his pace and creativity. Robert Lewandowski also played a key role, adding the second goal late in the match to secure the victory. For Mainz 05, goalkeeper Christian Wetklo made several important saves to keep his team in the match, but ultimately, it was not enough to prevent the defeat.
- Tactical Overview:
- Borussia Dortmund, managed by Jürgen Klopp, employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick transitions and pressing high up the pitch. Mainz 05, under Thomas Tuchel, used a 4-2-3-1 formation as well, but were more defensive in their approach, looking to absorb pressure and counter-attack when possible. Dortmund’s pressing and ability to exploit spaces were key factors in their victory.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, one for each team. Marco Reus was booked for Dortmund in the 65th minute, and Jan Kirchhoff received a yellow card for Mainz 05 in the 72nd minute. The fouls were tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Borussia Dortmund won 6 corners compared to Mainz 05’s 4, reflecting their territorial advantage and continuous pressure in the attacking third. Dortmund were caught offside twice, while Mainz 05 were caught offside once, indicating their attempts to push forward and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 victory over Mainz 05 was a professional and controlled performance, as they secured three points with minimal fuss. Marco Reus’ goal in the first minute set the tone for the match, giving Dortmund the early lead and allowing them to control the game comfortably. Robert Lewandowski’s late goal ensured the victory and capped off a solid team performance.
Dortmund’s dominance in possession and their ability to create chances were key to their success, while their defense held firm to keep a clean sheet. Mainz 05, despite a resilient effort and some strong goalkeeping from Christian Wetklo, were unable to pose a significant threat to Dortmund’s lead.
This victory kept Borussia Dortmund in second place in the Bundesliga standings, securing their position as the closest challengers to Bayern Munich, who had already secured the league title. The match also served as a confidence boost for Dortmund ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
The result was a testament to Dortmund’s quality and consistency under Jürgen Klopp, as they continued to balance their domestic and European commitments with professionalism and determination.
