Dynamo Dresden — Mainz 05 : Match Preview and Prediction for August 18,2025

Dynamo Dresden’s Ascent

Dynamo Dresden had a challenging three-year period, consistently missing out on promotion to the 2. Bundesliga by a narrow margin. However, their persistence paid off last season when they secured second place in the Third League, finally earning their long-awaited return.

Pre-Season Performance

Their pre-season campaign was marked by high-scoring affairs, with an impressive 16 goals netted across three friendly matches. Despite this attacking prowess, the overall results were mixed, including a 3-1 victory against Ried, a 2-4 loss to Slavia, and a 3-3 draw with Freiburg.

Early Season Struggles

Fans harbored significant expectations for their return to the 2. Bundesliga, but the team’s initial performances fell short. They suffered a 2-3 away defeat to Greuther Fürth, followed by a 1-2 home loss against Magdeburg. While Thomas Stamm’s commitment to an offensive playing style is commendable, it appears to be detrimental to their results. This tactical approach, which perhaps should have been re-evaluated during pre-season, seems to persist.

Squad Limitations

It’s important to acknowledge that the coach isn’t solely to blame. The club’s management did little to bolster the squad, failing to make any new signings. Consequently, Stamm is largely working with the same core group that achieved promotion from the Third League, for which credit is due for retaining key players.

Mainz 05’s Strong Previous Season

Mainz 05 delivered an impressive performance last season, fearlessly challenging every opponent, including powerhouses like Bayern. This audacious approach paid off handsomely, as they secured a commendable sixth-place finish, earning a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Pre-Season Form and Readiness

The “Carnival Club” is entering competitive play in superb form, having won three and drawn two of their five pre-season friendlies. Their results include dominant victories over Bayern Alzenau (4-0), Saarbrücken (4-1), and Sekirchen (5-0), alongside draws against Crystal Palace (1-1) and Strasbourg (0-0).

Transfer Market Activity

The club’s transfer activity has been rather subdued. They notably brought in Benedikt Hollerbach from Union Berlin, while key forward Jonathan Burkardt departed for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Key Player Absence

Bo Henriksen will be without the services of Lee Jae-Sung for this match. Lee was a pivotal figure in attack last season, contributing significantly with 16 goal involvements (7 goals, 9 assists).