Berlin: Mainz took a big step towards ensuring another year in Germany’s top flight after beating runners-up Borussia Dortmund 2-0, thanks to goals from Jonathan Burkardt and Jean-Philippe Mateta at the close of the 32nd round.
From the starting whistle, the “BVB” took the reins and controlled possession while Mainz kept all their men behind the ball. Despite enjoying 80 percent of possession, the hosts lacked in ideas to overcome Mainz’s bulwark as neither Axel Witsel nor Achraf Hakimi was able to make the most of their half chances on Wednesday. Mainz focussed on fast breaks and caught Dortmund flat-footed in the 34th minute when Ridle Baku’s pinpoint cross allowed Burkardt to score his maiden Bundesliga goal after heading home the opener into the far post corner from inside the box.
Dortmund tried to respond but failed to find a gap in Mainz’s defense and had to take the 1-0 deficit into the half time. After the restart, Mainz returned highly motivated and started brightly as Lukasz Piszczek fouled Danny Latza inside the box. Mateta stepped up and made no mistake after sending Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki into the wrong corner to double the lead from the spot in the 49th minute.
The “BVB” became exasperated with the visitors’ defense and tried to score with long-range efforts, but Julian Brandt’s and Hakimi’s efforts caused no sweat at the hour mark.
Hakimi had a dangerous free-kick on target, but Mainz custodian Florian Muller tipped the ball over the bar to keep a clean sheet on the road. With the result, second-placed Dortmund sits ten points adrift of champions Bayern Munich; meanwhile, 15th placed Mainz established a four-point gap to the drop zone.
Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt increased their chances for a berth in the Europa League after edging struggling 10-men Schalke 2-1. Fortuna Dusseldorf secured crucial points in the relegation battle after bouncing back from two goals down to shock third-placed Leipzig with a late 2-2 equalizer. (Xinhua)
