Julian Ryerson produces unforgettable performance as Borussia Dortmund triumph

Borussia Dortmund swept aside Mainz on Friday night with goals from Serhou Guirassy, Maximilian Beier and Ramy Bensebaini, but it was Norwegian defender Julian Ryerson who was the unsung hero as Niko Kovač’s charges kept the pressure on leaders Bayern Munich.

In one-way traffic at Signal Iduna Park, Ryerson provided assists for each of Dortmund's four goals, becoming only the second player to register as many assists for Die Schwarzgelben in a Bundesliga match since detailed data collection began in 2004/05.

Laying on a brace for Guirassy - who was able to continue his purple patch in front of goal - while Maximilian Beier struck his seventh of the campaign, Ryerson became the first Dortmund player to register three assists in the first half of a Bundesliga match.

Watch: Ryerson provided all four assists as Dortmund triumphed over Mainz - highlights

The 28-year-old’s fourth assist was for Bensebaini, who headed home from close range to extend Dortmund’s winning streak to six Bundesliga matches. Possessing a unique ability to constantly whip in a dangerous cross, three of Ryerson’s assists notably came from set-pieces, while all four led to headers.

“Pretty good for a defender,” Ryerson said. Reflecting on his star performance, Dortmund’s quadruple-assist hero added: “It’s a good development.

“It’s a point I want to improve and get even better, and it’s good that you can still improve at 28.”

Ryerson also cut a humble figure later on, when he joked: “It’s not all that difficult. I just have to place the ball in the right spot. The others finish it off."

About the players

26

Julian

Ryerson

Borussia Dortmund

Needless to say, creating four goals in one match is a rare occurrence, especially for a defender. Pascal Groß was the last player to achieve such a feat when Dortmund trounced Union Berlin 6-0 on Matchday 23 of the 2024/25 campaign, a little under a year ago.

Dortmund's assured victory is a result that keeps the pressure on Bayern ahead of a home instalment of Der Klassiker to be played on Matchday 24. Guirassy’s return to form has been aided by Ryerson’s playmaking exploits and, with Dortmund’s steely defence, the battle for the 2025/26 Meisterschale is proving to be an exciting one.

About the clubs

Borussia Dortmund

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