Klopp had no choice but to make substitutions.
But he didn't just sub out goalkeeper Weidenfeller â right-back Owomoyela was also taken off!
In fact, Dortmund had already been in talks with Gladbach about signing Reus. The agreed price was around â¬17 million, but some details were still being negotiated.
Initially, Reus wasn't supposed to play in this match. However, he insisted on playing, and Favre gave in to his request.
Barring any surprises, Reus would join Dortmund during the winter transfer window.
Most of Dortmund's funds were already allocated for Reus, leaving Klopp with few options.
The truth was, Dortmund still lacked depth.
After all, they had to compete on three fronts for the second half of the season...
Should they give up on the DFB-Pokal?
It would depend on the outcome of their final Champions League match.
If they finished third, dropping out of the Europa League might also be an option.
The Europa League had a tight schedule, with some distant away games... The physical toll on players could be overwhelming.
They'd make the decision when the time came.
Owomoyela was visibly frustrated as he came off...
But he couldn't complain. He'd been torn apart on his flank.
A 33-year-old veteran trying to defend against a 20-something... Even Maicon would struggle!
The match resumed.
Gladbach had a corner kick.
Langereck, fresh on the pitch, was ready to prove himself with a strong performance.
If Weidenfeller remained injured for a few days, Langereck could seize the starting spot, possibly earning a national team call-up and securing the number one spot for his country.
By the way, he was Australian!
Not Asian, but eligible to represent Australia in the Asian Cup or qualifiers!
Langereck's ambitions burned brightly, but he quickly refocused, locking his eyes on the ball.
Thud!
Hermann curled the ball into the center of the box.
Dante once again rose among the crowd!
The first goal might not have counted as his own goal, but he blamed himself for it.
Determined to redeem himself, he had been playing tirelessly.
Now, with a perfect heading opportunity, Dante leapt high and powered the ball towards goal!
Thud!
The ball was smashed towards the bottom left corner!
Langereck barely reacted before the ball hit the back of the net!
Dante couldn't contain his excitement, kissing the team badge as he ran.
The crowd erupted in applause!
It was a crucial goal!
They struck while Dortmund was still adjusting to their substitutions, catching them off guard!
Langereck bitterly retrieved the ball from the net...
"It's not my fault," he thought. "I wasn't even warmed up when I was thrown into the match. What could I do?"
But the fact he had such thoughts suggested he lacked the mentality of a top-class goalkeeper...
True champions never made excuses.
They found ways to improve and silenced doubters through action.
As the goal stood, Klopp immediately regretted his cautious approach...
Why had he considered settling for a draw away from home?
If they lost this match and Piszczek was exhausted, wouldn't that be a double blow?
The match resumed swiftly.
Dortmund pushed their formation higher up the pitch.
Gladbach, with two goals already, slowed the tempo. They shifted Nordtveit to defense, switching to a five-man backline!
Their defense was like an impenetrable fortress.
No wonder they had the fewest goals conceded in the Bundesliga.
After Ye Chen used his "guaranteed long shot" card, he preferred sending the ball into the box.
But Dortmund had no aerial threats in the middle. Even if the ball reached the box, there was no one to finish it!
Time ticked by, and Gladbach's fans grew more excited.
Steele grinned. "What did I say? Dortmund can't do anything against Gladbach's defense! And Gladbach isn't just about defending â they've scored eight goals this season on the counter, making them the most efficient counterattacking team in the Bundesliga!"
This wasn't Gladbach â it was like Mourinho's Chelsea!
Take the lead and park the bus.
Ye Chen tried two long shots from distance, but neither troubled the goal.
With those center-backs crowding the box, Dortmund had no answer!
Beep! Beep!
The referee blew the halftime whistle after two minutes of stoppage time.
At halftime, Gladbach led 2-1 at home.
The internet exploded.
Dortmund's Chinese fan forum was buzzing.
"Ye Chen already scored, let him rest! There's no chance anyway!"
"It's over, BBQ time... Even the main goalkeeper is injured!"
"Hope Weidenfeller's okay! Don't let this affect the Champions League!"
"I can't wait to see Ye Chen in the Champions League. No slip-ups, please!"
"If Dortmund ends up in the Europa League, I'll curse Klopp forever!"
"If you're giving up, then commit fully. Why sub Piszczek in at all?"
"Can't understand it. Isn't Reus joining Dortmund? Why is he still crushing them?"
In the locker room, Klopp's face was stern. "Guys, let me ask you â do you want to win, or are we just calling it quits here?"
"I want to win!" Ye Chen stood up firmly.
Klopp scanned the room. Several players looked down.
"I want to win too!" Piszczek nodded.
"Me too!" Langereck raised his hand.
"Boss, put me on! I can hold the ball up front!" Barrios volunteered.
Dortmund lacked a target man, leaving them passive.
The first goal conceded stemmed from that weakness.
Klopp nodded. "We'll change tactics for the second half..."
As he explained the adjustments, time passed quickly.
Before heading out, Klopp turned to Ye Chen. "Ye, say a few words to the team."
Ye Chen was surprised.
Was his hidden leadership about to shine through?
"You've all seen the news. No one believed in us from three days ago."
"They said Dortmund's bench players weren't good enough!"
"They even said I couldn't do much alone. But you guys? They didn't even mention your names. They dismissed you outright! Can you tolerate that?"
"Or do you also believe you're not good enough and are fine staying bench players forever?"
"I don't know about you, but I know I'm capable!"
"I scored one in the first half. I'll score more in the second!"
His voice grew louder. "One isn't enough. I want two! I'll give everything to overturn this! I'll show them they were wrong!"
"If you believe in yourselves and want to prove it, don't answer me â show it on the pitch!"
His words struck like a hammer on their hearts.
Yes!
If everyone doubted them, they'd prove the doubters wrong!
"If they want to fight, then we fight!"