Overview

• Maximilian Beier stepped up in the absence of top scorer Serhou Guirassy, scoring twice to lead Dortmund to victory.
• Nico Schlotterbeck, in an unusual role, provided two assists from corner kicks, showcasing his versatility.
• The win reduced Dortmund's gap to European qualification spots to four points, with seven points separating them from the Champions League places.
• Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made crucial saves to deny Mainz during a strong second-half push.
• Dortmund faces a tough upcoming schedule, including matches against Freiburg, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona in the Champions League, and will be without Schlotterbeck due to suspension.