Maximilian Beier’s brace helped Borussia Dortmund secure a 3-1 victory over Mainz on Sunday, keeping their hopes of European qualification alive in the Bundesliga.
The win came after a challenging run for Dortmund, who had lost four of their last six matches and had slipped to 12th place in the standings.
Despite the absence of injured striker Serhou Guirassy, Beier stepped up to give Dortmund the lead in the 32nd minute, finishing off a well-worked team goal.
Emre Can extended Dortmund’s advantage just four minutes later, heading in a Nico Schlotterbeck corner. Beier completed his brace in the 72nd minute, heading home Schlotterbeck’s cross before Mainz pulled one back through Paul Nebel.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac expressed satisfaction with the victory but emphasised that the team’s work was far from over, with seven games still to play in the season.
Dortmund’s win marked their first over Mainz in four attempts, including the infamous 2-2 draw last season that cost them the title.
Dortmund now sit 10th, just four points behind the European spots and seven points behind Mainz, who occupy fourth place.
