Julian Ryerson-inspired Borussia Dortmund keep pressure on Bayern Munich with thumping win over Mainz
Julian Ryerson registered four assists - including two for Serhou Guirassy - as Borussia Dortmund moved to within three points of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich with a comfortable victory over Mainz at Signal Iduna Park.
Borussia Dortmund 4-0 MainzGoals: 1-0 Guirassy 10' (assist: Ryerson), 2-0 Beier 15' (assist: Ryerson), 3-0 Guirassy 42' (assist: Ryerson), 4-0 Bensebaini 84' (assist: Ryerson)
Bayern’s 5-1 win over Hoffenheim last Sunday had restored the Bavarians’ six-point cushion at the top of the Bundesliga table, but Friday’s Matchday 22 opener gave Niko Kovač’s in-form troops another opportunity to heap the pressure back on the champions ahead of this weekend’s remaining fixtures.
Resurgent Mainz, meanwhile, had won four of their last five league fixtures under Urs Fischer, lifting them four points clear of the Bundesliga’s automatic relegation places. The Zerofivers had won two of the previous four meetings between these sides, although both those victories were at the MEWA ARENA.
Despite Mainz's improving form, Dortmund took just 11 minutes to get their noses in front. After Silvan Widmer was booked for a foul on Maximilian Beier just outside the area, Ryerson delivered a perfect cross for Guirassy to head home from six metres out.
Five minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage with an almost identical goal. Ryerson was again the provider as he lifted the ball in for Beier, who found the corner of the net despite goalkeeper Daniel Batz getting a hand to the ball.
The visitors had a rare opportunity when Silas fired just wide after good work from Jae-sung Lee, but Dortmund remained in control and added a third before half-time. Ryerson completed his first-half hat-trick of assists with another pin-point delivery from a corner, allowing Guirassy to power home his second header of the evening from close range.
The hosts continued to create chances after the break. Felix Nmecha and Beier both tested Batz with powerful shots, while Julian Brandt was denied by another fine save from the Mainz goalkeeper.
Fischer made a triple substitution on the hour mark, bringing on Sheraldo Becker, Paul Nebel and Phillipp Mwene, but Mainz struggled to make any significant inroads against the dominant hosts. Becker did have a rare sight of goal in the 76th minute, but his effort was well saved by Gregor Kobel.
With six minutes remaining, Dortmund added a fourth goal to complete the rout. Once again it was Ryerson who provided the assist for Ramy Bensebaini, who headed home from close range. The victory extended Dortmund's winning run to six Bundesliga matches, reducing the gap to leaders Bayern to just three points ahead of their trip to Werder Bremen on Saturday.
Man of the Match: Julian Ryerson
While Guirassy was able to continue his purple patch in front of goal, Ryerson was the undisputed star of the show.
The Norwegian wing-back delivered a performance for the ages, providing the assist for all four Dortmund goals. His pin-point crossing proved impossible for Mainz to handle, particularly in the first half.
Ryerson's crossing ability from both open play and set-pieces was a constant threat, but he also contributed defensively, helping Dortmund keep a clean sheet despite being the most pressured player on the pitch. His fantasy score of 557 points was by far the highest of any player on the pitch, reflecting his extraordinary contribution.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Dortmund 1.96 - Mainz 1.4
Fastest player: Felix Nmecha (Dortmund), 34.83 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-0 by Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund), 39.77 percent
Most pressed player: Julian Ryerson (Dortmund), 15 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Waldemar Anton (Dortmund), +1.63
Fantasy Heroes: Julian Ryerson (Dortmund, 557 Points), Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund, 376 Points), Ramy Bensebaini (Dortmund, 279 Points)
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