Fight for survival: Dortmund before a decisive duel against Mainz!

Fight for survival: Dortmund before a decisive duel against Mainz!

On March 30, 2025, Borussia Dortmund faces a decisive game against Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga, which takes place on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. The location for the Dortmund is tense because they are currently in 12th place, while the 1st FSV Mainz 05 takes fourth place. The Dortmunders have missed expectations this season and are seven points behind the European places and ten points behind the last Champions League-Platz.

The sporting situation is a big challenge for Niko Kovač, who has held the coaching position since February. Under its leadership, the association has so far been able to celebrate no significant success in the Bundesliga. After two consecutive defeats, Dortmund urgently needs a victory against Mainz to keep his hopes for a champions League participation. Kovač describes the upcoming game against Mainz as a "final" and clearly focuses on victory.

difficult starting point and outlook

The coming weeks will be challenging for Dortmund. After the game against Mainz, encounters against Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen are on the program, which are extremely difficult. In addition, the club plays in the quarterfinals of the Champions League against FC Barcelona, ​​with the first leg on April 9th ​​and 15th.

The performance of the Dortmund in the local arena, the signal Iduna Park, also leaves something to be desired. In the last three home games, the team had to accept defeats against Stuttgart and Augsburg. In total, in their last four duels against Mainz, they are without a win, including a 2-2 in the 2022-23 season, which cost them the master shell.

Team -making and player changes

Kovač can refer to a positive return of all international players who are healthy. Carney Chukwuemeka and Daniel Svensson, who were hired in January, have overcome their injuries. It is speculated that Salih Özcan and Waldemar Anton could act in midfield as a replacement for Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer.

Sports director Sebastian Kehl appealed to the team to give their maximum and to represent the club values. Among the players, Pascal was very reserved for the current situation and emphasized the need for a gradual improvement.

On the other hand, Mainz 05 ended a four-game winning streak with a 2-2 draw against Freiburg, but still remains in third place in the table with eight remaining games. Mainz celebrated outstanding successes this season, led by coach Bo Henriksen, who saved the team from relegation last season. Jonathan Burkardt, who is the team's best goal scorer with 15 goals, emerged as one of the central characters, while the defense has only allowed 28 goals.

With challenging games against Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen, Mainz faces a decisive section of the season. Players like Phillipp Mwene and Dominik Kohr are canceled due to barriers, and Stefan Bell is injured. Nevertheless, the team remains optimistic and will do everything possible to defend their strong position in the league.

Overall, both Borussia Dortmund and the 1st FSV Mainz 05 are faced with a crucial phase that will not only have an impact on the current season, but also on the strategic orientation of the clubs in the future.

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