March 30, 2025 – Borussia Dortmund put on a solid show at Signal Iduna Park, beating a spirited Mainz side 3-1 in a thrilling Bundesliga clash. Despite missing star striker Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund’s squad stepped up, with standout performances driving them to a crucial victory. Here’s how the players rated in this exciting matchup.
Dortmund’s Defensive Rock: Nico Schlotterbeck Shines
Nico Schlotterbeck earned an 8/10 and the Man of the Match nod from Get German Football News. The German center-back was a wall at the back, winning 83% of his aerial duels, making five clearances, and delivering nine recoveries. His corner kicks also turned into two assists, proving his value on both ends of the pitch. For a Borussia Dortmund side looking to climb the Bundesliga table, Schlotterbeck’s form is a massive boost.
Maxi Beier Steps Up in Attack
With Guirassy sidelined, Maximilian Beier took the spotlight, scoring twice to secure a 7/10 rating. His first goal came just before halftime, thanks to a clever move sparked by Julian Brandt and finished with Karim Adeyemi’s assist. Beier’s second, a header from another Schlotterbeck corner, sealed the deal in the second half. The 22-year-old’s clinical finishing showed Dortmund’s depth in the attack.
Midfield Maestro: Julian Brandt’s Creative Spark
Julian Brandt, rated at 7/10, was the heartbeat of Dortmund’s midfield. His vision set up Beier’s opener, and he kept the attack flowing against a tough Mainz press. While not directly on the scoresheet, Brandt’s influence was undeniable, making him a key piece in Niko Kovac’s Borussia Dortmund setup as they push for European spots.
Mainz’s Fight: Paul Nebel’s Late Consolation
For Mainz, Paul Nebel stood out with a 7/10, grabbing a late goal that briefly reignited hope. Despite the loss, Mainz controlled much of the game early on, with their flicks and flair troubling Dortmund. Nebel’s effort wasn’t enough to turn the tide, but it highlighted why Mainz remain a surprise package in the 2025 Bundesliga season.
How Dortmund Turned the Tide
The first half was tight, with Mainz dominating possession. But after the 30-minute mark, Dortmund found their groove, winning duels and breaking through with Beier’s opener. The second half saw Mainz push hard, only for Dortmund’s defense—led by Schlotterbeck—and Beier’s second strike to secure the three points. This win keeps Dortmund’s European qualification hopes alive.
Standout Ratings at a Glance
Gregor Kobel (6/10) was steady in goal, while Karim Adeyemi (6/10) added pace and an assist. Mainz’s Dominik Kohr and Jonathan Burkardt both earned 6/10 for their efforts, but it was Dortmund’s day. Under Niko Kovac, this performance signals a team finding consistency at the right time.