BVB under pressure: Last chance against strongly playing Mainz!

BVB under pressure: Last chance against strongly playing Mainz!

On March 29, 2025, Borussia Dortmund and FSV Mainz 05 face each other in Signal Iduna Park. In view of Dortmund's fluctuating performance and Mainz, the starting point could hardly be more different. Borussia Dortmund, currently in 11th place in the Bundesliga, has only won two victories in the last five league games and most recently lost 0-2 against RB Leipzig. In contrast, Mainz 05 has a strong third place and won four of the last five games under coach Bo Henriksen, all with at least two goals.

BVB coach Niko Kovac goes into the game optimistically. All national players have returned healthily, and the team can fall back on Daniel Svensson, who is ready for use after an inner ligament tear. Carney Chukwuemeka, on the other hand, will not be fit enough for the full season and cannot replace Marcel Sabitzer. Kovac plans some surprises in midfield for the starting eleven. Gregor Kobel will be in the goal, supported by a stable defense from Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can.

possible starting sets

Dortmund could play in the proven 4-2-3-1 system:

• Kobel - Rerson, Can, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini
• Anton, Groß - Adeyemi, Brandt, Beier
• Guirassy

The options in defensive midfield are severely restricted due to injuries, since Felix Nmecha and Chukwuemeka are not available. Pascal Groß is considered to be set, while Waldemar Anton is considered as a further option for the sixth position. Salih Özcan could also play, but was not able to convince recently.

Mainz is expected to appear in a 3-4-2-1 system, with hundredweight in the goal and a triple chain from Da Costa, Jenz and Kohr. With such a formation, Mainz would be well positioned to take advantage of Dortmund's weaknesses on the defensive. Dortmund has conceded at least one goal in the last five league games in four encounters, a worrying statistics that Borussia puts under pressure.

The explosiveness of the encounter

nadiem Amiri describes the upcoming game as the "last chance for BVB". After the change of coach and the associated uncertainties in the sporting leadership, Dortmund faces the challenge of stabilizing his performance. The strengths of Mainz could become a serious threat to the Dortmund. In the recent past, Dortmund was able to do little against Mainz, the last victory dated January 2023 and ended 2-1 for BVB.

The last direct duels have produced plenty of goals. In the last five encounters, at least 1.5 goals have always been scored before half -time, which ensures exciting game fun. In particular due to the risk of injury and the associated challenges, the game will produce another interesting turn in the relegation battle and the Bundesliga table competition.

The international break is now over and the focus is on the Bundesliga again, where such games could be decisive for the final placements. Dortmund absolutely wants to win a victory, while Mainz has the chance to continue his series of success. The fans can look forward to an exciting duel that will kick off on March 30, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

For more information and current developments, interested parties can be the articles from Ruhr24 and