Wolfsburg pulled one back in the eighty-third minute, a well-taken goal that added a degree of tension to the final minutes. But Dortmund held on, the final whistle confirming a 2-1 victory that, while not their most convincing performance of the season, was nonetheless a crucial three points in the title race.
In the dressing room after the match, Klopp addressed the team with a satisfied but measured tone. "That was not our best performance," he said, his eyes moving from player to player.
"But it was a professional performance. You did what needed to be done, even when your minds were elsewhere. That is the mark of a championship team. Now, you have earned the right to focus entirely on Chelsea. The distraction is gone. The routine is complete. Now, we prepare for war."
