The Dortmund players are left dazed, their eyes fixed on their own goal, struggling to accept the harsh reality of conceding a goal so quickly.
On the contrary, Werder Bremen exuded confidence and excitement. They sprinted across the field, chasing after Fullkrug, the goal scorer, and joyfully celebrated, lifting him off the ground and cheering loudly. The atmosphere is electrifying.
On the sidelines, Coach Schaaf couldn't hide his excitement and clenched his fists, rushing out to join the coaching staff in jubilant celebration.
Meanwhile, Klopp's expression turned sour as he witnessed his team conceding an early goal.
"Damn it, the opponent got lucky!" he muttered in frustration.
Admittedly, there were defensive issues for Dortmund during that moment. When Niclas Fullkrug broke free from the defender and advanced towards the goal, the Dortmund players failed to promptly set up their defense, leading to the goal.
Could this young player from Werder Bremen's youth training be the secret weapon carefully prepared by Schaaf for this game? Klopp couldn't help but doubt, his eyes shifting between Lucas and Fullkrug.
Unable to understand the opponent's tactics, Klopp called Hummels over and conveyed a few instructions to him.
When the game resumed, Fullkrug noticed that the Dortmund defenders are tightening their marking on him.
Though Dortmund didn't assign a specific player to mark him, there are always one or two players in close proximity, making it difficult for him to receive the ball comfortably.
Observing this, a smirk appeared on Schaaf's face as he felt relieved. He understood that Fullkrug isn't Werder Bremen's true danger; it is Lucas, the explosive winger with incredible individual skill.
Fullkrug's presence on the field primarily served to cover for his teammates, providing support, creating passing options, and diverting the attention of defenders. This misconception, strengthened by Fullkrug's goal, made Dortmund believe he is the main threat, causing them to intensify their defensive efforts against him.
And this played right into Schaaf's hands.
"Now, let's see what you're capable of," he thought as his gaze settled on the player wearing the number 10 jersey.
The Dortmund players, despite the initial shock of conceding a goal so early, refused to let their spirit waver. Their frustration quickly transformed into determination and ignited their fighting spirit.
They unleashed their trademark high-intensity running and fierce battles to increase the tempo of the game, hoping to overcome their opponents, equalize the score, or even stage a comeback.
This is Westfalenstadion, the most intimidating home stadium in the Bundesliga. They wouldn't tolerate any audacity on their turf.
However, Werder Bremen, by their goal and high team morale, showed no fear of Dortmund's pressing. The midfield became a battlefield with relentless battles and numerous fouls.
In the fifth minute, Dortmund swiftly moved the ball and attacked Werder Bremen's penalty area. Lewandowski received the ball inside the box but, lacking viable passing options, opted to take the shot himself. The attempt lacked power and easily blocked by the goalkeeper.
Mielitz, aware that time is running out for their attacking opportunity, quickly rose to his feet and unleashed a powerful long kick forward. Dortmund's players are caught off guard and couldn't retreat in time.
Arnautovic, once again showcasing his aerial prowess, rose above the defenders to head the ball and set up Fullkrug.
Dortmund's defenders closed in on Fullkrug as he received the ball, but instead of making contact, he cleverly handed it off to his teammate, Lucas, who had surged forward from behind.
Klopp, witnessing this unexpected development, rose from his seat, his expression turning extremely serious.
"Why is he in the center? When did he move from the right?" Klopp wondered. Fullkrug's 1.9-meter stature effectively blocked the defenders, preventing them from interfering with Lucas, who had possession of the ball.
This created gap and time for Lucas to accelerate and tear apart the Dortmund's defense. Countless games had proven the havoc Messi wreaked once he picked up his speed.
In this moment, Dortmund's players facing the same situation.
Lucas, now in full flight, relied on his explosive pace rather than intricate tricks. He smoothly changed his rhythm, feinted, and effortlessly bypassed Dortmund's central defender, Koray Gunter.
As opponent hesitated, thinking between making a tackle or fouling him and risking a penalty, Lucas unleashed his shot.
Expecting a near-corner shot, Dortmund's goalkeeper, Langerak, shifted his position. But Lucas shot the ball to far corner with a curve, eluding Langerak's desperate attempt to save it.
Bang!
Langerak hit the ground and heard a sound, momentarily relieved, assuming the shot had missed. To his dismay, he turned to see the ball nestled into the net.
In the sixth minute of the game, Werder Bremen once again used a swift counterattack, breaching Dortmund's defense. The score now becomes 2-0.
This goal mirrored the first one, utilizing a rapid counterattack that caught Dortmund off guard. Werder Bremen had completed their attack before Dortmund's defenders could reorganize.
No matter how fast Dortmund's players ran, they couldn't catch up to the football. This collective confusion left them questioning the validity of their tactical approach.
If they continued in this manner, they had no idea how many more goals they might concede in the game. This is their fortress, Westfalen.
A heavy defeat or a disastrous outcome would be unbearable for the players and their fans.
As a result, when the game resumed, Dortmund's players grew apprehensive, seemingly afraid to push forward.
On the sidelines, Schaaf observed Dortmund's players and felt a sense of relief.
Indeed, the strengths of young players are prominent, but their weaknesses are equally evident. Their mentality is easily disturbed.
"Now, Coach Klopp, do you have a solution to this crisis?" Schaff pondered, aware that the fate of the game rested in the hands of the Dortmund coach.