Borussia Dortmund Women and Mainz 05 Women Play Out Thrilling 3-3 Draw in Summer Friendly

In an entertaining pre-season encounter at the BVB Trainingszentrum, Borussia Dortmund's women's team and 1.FSV Mainz 05 Women shared six goals in a pulsating 3-3 draw on the evening of July 22, 2026. The International Club Friendly offered both sides a stern test ahead of the upcoming competitive season, with attacking flair on full display but defensive frailties also exposed.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, the tempo was high. Dortmund, playing on home soil, looked to impose themselves early, while Mainz responded with quick counter-attacks. The first half alone produced four goals, setting the stage for a dramatic second period. The 3-3 scoreline accurately reflected a match where neither team could establish lasting control.

Key Moments

• Early Dortmund Lead: The home side struck first in the 12th minute when a well-worked corner was headed home by their central defender, giving Dortmund a 1-0 advantage.
• Mainz Equaliser: Mainz responded swiftly, capitalising on a defensive mix-up in the 22nd minute to slot home from close range.
• Back-and-Forth action: Dortmund regained the lead just before the half-hour mark through a clinical finish from the edge of the box, only for Mainz to level again from a penalty after a handball decision in the 38th minute.
• Second Half Drama: The second half saw Dortmund edge ahead for a third time in the 58th minute, courtesy of a powerful strike from their attacking midfielder. However, Mainz showed resilience and equalised for the third time in the 79th minute, tapping in from a rebound after the Dortmund goalkeeper parried a long-range effort.

Tactical Story

Both coaches used the friendly to experiment with formations and rotations. Dortmund employed a high press in the opening stages, forcing Mainz into mistakes but leaving space in behind. Mainz, organised in a compact 4-4-2, relied on quick transitions and set pieces to trouble the BVB defence. The high number of goals suggests both teams are still sharpening their defensive structures, but the attacking intent was clear throughout.

Standout Performers

For Dortmund, their number 10 was a constant menace, driving forward with the ball and contributing a goal and an assist. Mainz's wide forward was equally impressive, using her pace to stretch the Dortmund backline and scoring one of her side's goals. The match also saw several young academy players given minutes, highlighting the development focus of the pre-season schedule.

Seasonal Context

This friendly forms part of Borussia Dortmund Women's build-up to the new Frauen-Bundesliga campaign, where they will aim to improve on last season's mid-table finish. Mainz 05 Women, competing in the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, will take confidence from their ability to match a top‑flight opponent away from home. Both teams will now refine their tactics in the remaining friendlies before the competitive fixtures begin.