Borussia Dortmund secured their place in the Champions League for next season as Raphael Guerreiro, Marco Reus and Julian Brandt scored in a 3-1 win at Mainz on Sunday. Guerreiro and captain Reus hit first-half goals before Germany winger Brandt made sure of the three points with a late effort. With one game left, Dortmund, who routed Leipzig 4-1 to win the German Cup in midweek, cannot finish outside of the Bundesliga’s top four. Mainz striker Robin Quaison claimed his 30th Bundesliga goal by netting a 90th-minute penalty.
Qualifying for Europe caps a remarkable turnaround by Dortmund in the last six weeks.
They were fifth and seven points from the Champions League places after losing 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt in early April.
Dortmund have since won all six league games to guarantee a place next season in the group stages of the Champions League.
“Not many people believed in us,” Dortmund captain Reus told Sky when asked about bridging the seven-point gap.
“The team deserves an incredible compliment. We have shown a really strong mentality in the last few weeks.
“When we have to, we are capable of great things.”
Dortmund’s purple patch has extended to the German Cup, winning Thursday’s final after Jadon Sancho and Erling Braut Haaland both scored twice in Berlin.
Qualifying for Europe also reduces the chance of star striker Haaland leaving at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old has made no secret of the fact he wants Champions League football and his agent Mino Raiola has recently fuelled speculation the Norwegian could leave.
Haaland has a contract until 2024, but there is reportedly a release clause which becomes active in 2022.
Dortmund are adamant he is staying, with sports director Michael Zorc insisting Haaland “will play for us next season” before kick-off Sunday.