Match Report: Borussia Dortmund fall to yet another away defeat as they lose 3-1 to Mainz 05

Borussia Dortmund were once again beaten convincingly away from home as they lost 3-1 against Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon.

It was another away day to forget for Borussia Dortmund, who were outplayed and outfought by a resilient Mainz side. The Black and Yellows simply could not keep up with the 05ers and fell to a well deserved 3-1 defeat in the end.

The defeat is Borussia Dortmund's fourth in the Bundesliga this season (all away from home) in just ten matches. Nuri Sahin has yet to lead his team a win away from the Westfalenstadion in the Bundesliga, and the panic bells are once again ringing as we head into the international break.

On Saturday, BVB delivered another performance full of clumsy errors. They were second best in all departments against a Mainz side battling to avoid relegation this season. And to compound their woes, club captain Emre Can was handed a straight red card for a poor challenge.

Timid Borussia Dortmund fall to 3-1 defeat to Mainz 05

Borussia Dortmund actually started the game on the front foot, dominating possession and often winning the ball back high up the pitch. But the first real chance of the game fell to Mainz, as Jonathan Burkardt was played through on goal. Unfortunately for the 05ers, the Germany international blazed his shot over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The game turned on its head in the 27th minute after Emre Can was sent off for a poor challenge on Jae-sung Lee. It did not take long for Mainz to make the most of their man advantage, and it was Lee who opened the scoring, heading home from close range with Felix Nmecha too slow to react.

Moments later, the South Korean was in the thick of things once again as he brought down Serhou Guirassy inside the box. The Borussia Dortmund number nine stepped up from the spot and made no mistake.

Burkardt then restored Mainz’s lead on the stroke of half-time, getting on the end of Danny da Costa’s low cross and taking advantage of more poor defending from Borussia Dortmund.

Mainz’s dominance continued in the second-half, and Alexander Meyer had to be alert to prevent Phillipp Mwene from scoring in the 52nd minute.

Two minutes later, Meyer stood no chance and it came after more woeful defending. Paul Nebel’s deflected shot made it 3-1, putting the game out of Borussia Dortmund’s reach.

Mainz’s third goal took away any hope BVB had of pulling off a comeback win. And they weren’t able to cause any problems to the Mainz defence in the second-half, allowing the 05ers to cruise to victory in the end.

The defeat raises yet more questions for those in charge at Borussia Dortmund going into the international break. BVB's performances away from home have been simply unnacceptable this season. And if things don't improve quickly, Nuri Sahin's side may well have to make do without Champions League football next season.