Mainz 05 defeats Borussia Dortmund, moving past the relegation zone.
Mainz 05 escape the relegation zone on the 33rd matchday of the Bundesliga thanks to the assistance of Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund had a disappointing first half, leading to Union Berlin being the biggest loser of the weekend. Mainz 05 need only one point in the final game of the season to avoid relegation.
The Champions League finalists were stifled, and relegation is now imminent for: FSV Mainz 05 earned a 3-0 (3-0) victory against a weak Borussia Dortmund B team, moving them to 15th place in the table, two points ahead of the relegation spot which Union Berlin currently occupies. Mainz can no longer be relegated directly. Union Berlin wasted a 2-0 lead at 1. FC Köln and surrendered the game in the last few minutes, losing 3-2.
Leandro Barreiro (12) and Jae-Sung Lee (19, 23) ensured Mainz 05 held an early advantage in their home fixture. With the superior goal difference compared to Union, drawing against VfL Wolfsburg next Saturday will secure their spot in the league.
Meyer's costly error
Dortmund made ten adjustments to their line-up following their furious victory in the Champions League semi-final in Paris during the week - and played lethargically with a tendency for errors. It is confirmed that Dortmund will finish the season in fifth place.
"All in red against Dortmund" was the cry prior to the match, and the passionate home fans dutifully complied. Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel expressed the hope on Sky before the game that they would be able to "avoid the relegation play-off".
Under pressure due to Cologne's victory against Union Berlin, Mainz did not feel the heat. Nadiem Amiri's free-kick hit the crossbar (7'), and Silvan Widmer's header (8) nearly gave them an early lead. The lead arrived when Widmer supplied Barreiro, who connected with an unerring shot into the bottom left corner. Mainz maintained the pressure, Dortmund made errors: BVB goalkeeper Alexander Meyer punted a free-kick into Lee's feet, and he rewarded him by extending the lead.
Mainz secured another fortunate chance just four minutes after the break, exploiting Dortmund's aerial defense: following a throw-in, Barreiro again played the ball to Lee, who was waiting at the back. At the other end, goalkeeper Robin Zentner stood out by blocking a long-range shot from Mateu Morey (27'). Lee and Barreiro failed to score Mainz's fourth goal (34').
The potential 1-3 by Youssoufa Moukoko was disallowed for offside (53'). Dortmund became more engaged in the game, occasionally taking control, while Mainz defended with discipline.
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Despite Borussia Dortmund's ten changes and lethargic performance, FSV Mainz 05 capitalized on their mistakes to secure a 3-0 victory, moving them further away from the relegation zone in the Soccer Bundesliga. This triumph over Dortmund's B team saw Mainz 05 climb to 15th place, two points above Union Berlin, who are now seemingly in more danger of relegation following their 3-2 loss at 1. FC Köln.
Source: www.ntv.de
