Marco Rose became the first Dortmund manager in history to win all five of his first five Bundesliga home games, as his team defeated a tenacious Mainz 3-1 at Signal Iduna Park.
Only reigning champions Bayern Munich had more points away from Dortmund (nine) than Mainz had since the start of the 2017/18 season.
Not wanting to be frustrated by the ’05ers again,’ the hosts got off to a fast start, with Thomas Meunier’s driving run allowing him to fire a cross that was poorly cleared by a ponderous Mainz defense.
Without waiting for a cue, Marco Reus smashed a left-footed effort into the roof of Robin Zentner’s net, giving ‘Der BVB’ the lead within five minutes.
Dortmund’s dominance continued in the first half as they sought their ninth consecutive Bundesliga home win, and Meunier was once again in the spotlight when his zipped effort went just past the Mainz post.
Donyell Malen had a chance just before halftime, but his acrobatic overhead kick was brilliantly cleared off the line by Mainz captain Moussa Niakhaté.
The home team picked up where they left off in the second half, and Haaland earned a penalty kick when his clever flick enticed Silvan Widmer’s outstretched arm inside the penalty box.
As a result, the Norwegian striker stepped up and doubled the hosts’ lead, seemingly securing his club a temporary place at the top of the Bundesliga.
Man City 2-0 Burnley: De Bruyne gives the Citizens a win over wasteful ClaretsJust past the hour mark, Mats Hummels almost put Marco Rose’s side out of sight, but his header rebounded off the post despite Zentner being well-beaten.
Dortmund’s lapse allowed Mainz to score late on through Jonathan Burkardt, but it was only a consolation for the visitors, as Haaland scored his second goal in stoppage time, tucking past a helpless Zentner and securing all three points.
