With the 1-0 (0-0) win at Rheinhessen, Dortmund were able to reduce their seven-point deficit to Bayern to four points. Mainz struggled with the late goal by Axel Witsel (87th), but after a compulsory Corona break since February 26th, the team had to go into the game weak and without rhythm.
The expectations for the quality of this game couldn’t have been particularly high – both teams had simply had too many problems beforehand. A large part of the Mainz team came from a corona infection, with Mats Hummels and Marco Reus BVB were missing two key players completely. And Erling Haaland, who has recovered from a muscle injury, first had to sit on the bench.
Much struggle, much cramp
Accordingly, it was bumpy on the Mainz lawn: a lot of fighting, a lot of cramping, little playful appeal. BVB – with Jude Bellingham, Axel Witsel and Mo Dahoud in the head office – tried to control the game, but did not succeed against aggressive Mainzers. Rather, the hosts occasionally benefited from ball losses in Dortmund’s forward movement, which made counterattack chances possible.