Dortmund’s first league win since September 23, took them to 20 points, four behind Bayern who take on Werder Bremen on Saturday.
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Schalke midfielder Johannes Geis, one of the reasons for the side’s resurgence since his arrival from Mainz, is expecting another tough game against Hertha, which is unbeaten in three games. “They will come. I hope it starts on Saturday”.
Tuchel, who coached Mainz for five seasons before taking a one-year sabbatical from football, was facing his former club for the first time. After last season ended, he was formally announced as Klopp’s replacement. After his side started the season with 11 wins across all competitions, Dortmund drew two before being humbled 5-1 by Bayern last time out.
They got it without ever really looking in difficulty.
But the 42-year-old Dortmund coach had to endure a nervous game with his players wasteful once more this season and Mainz hitting the woodwork. The 26-year old native of Gabon has now scored 39 goals in 75 Bundesliga appearances since joining Dortmund from St. Etienne in 2013.
Mainz promoted Tuchel from the club’s under-19 side in 2009, and was in charge of the senior team until his resignation in 2014.
“But there were also periods where we have done well and earned good opportunities”.
A loose pass from Niko Bungert in the heart of the Mainz defense opened the door for Reus to put Dortmund on top in the 18th minute.
The hosts kept it bowling and restored nearly parity through Jairo’s set piece that forced custodian Roman Buerki to make a safe at the 33rd minute.
The referee deemed that contact had occurred inside the area and pointed to the spot, but Reus failed to beat Karius, who made his sixth save from eight penalties. Mainz keeper Karius pulled off a smart save to his right from Reus’ effort.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel will be without Nuri Sahin and Erik Durm for this match, and we may see a few changes after their devastating defeat against Bayern Munich last time out.
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Scoring his 40th Borussia Dortmund goal and his ninth in 12 against Friday’s opposition was the ideal antidote to his recent poor form, which saw him dropped for the match at the Allianz Arena two weeks ago.
