In the world of football, raw strength is one thing, but mental resilience is another.
As a shrewd head coach, Klopp knows that Ye Chen's words are infectious and convincing!
The stats speak for themselves!
Despite being only 17, he possesses composure and calmness beyond his years. Whenever he steps on the pitch, he gives his all!
This spirit needs no explanationâit naturally influences everyone on the field.
Just like that night in IstanbulâAC Milan led by three goals at halftime, but Liverpool never gave up.
Steven Gerrard constantly encouraged his teammates on the pitch and led by example, scoring a header in the 53rd minute to kickstart the comeback! Ye Chen even went back and watched the video. He clearly remembers Gerrard waving his arms repeatedly at the center circle after scoring, urging his teammates to fight on with his unyielding spirit!
When Dortmund's players returned to the pitch, they had left all distractions behind.
Unlike the lighthearted Gladbach players, Dortmund's team became solemn and focused.
On the sidelines, substitutions were made.
Krooslowicz, who had been nearly invisible, was subbed off for the formidable striker Barrios!
Klopp had used all three substitutions by the 45th minute. If any Dortmund player got a red card or was injured, they'd have to play with one less man!
Whistle!
Dortmund kicked off, and the second half began!
Kahn immediately noticed the difference. "Jörg, have you noticed? Dortmund's players aren't the same as they were in the first half!"
"Of course! Klopp subbed three players, even the goalkeeper!" Stiel chuckled. "Beautiful passing by Gladbach... Wait, when did GündoÄan show up there? That was a decisive sliding tackle!"
Kahn glanced at Stiel and shook his head.
Stiel was the definition of gloating over others' misfortune.
But how long could he keep laughing?
Just after the second half started, Dortmund's players were visibly more aggressive.
Even GündoÄan, who was sluggish in the first half, was far more active!
Possession exchanged rapidly between the teams.
Piszczek's presence limited Reus to some extent.
On the offensive end, with Barrios upfront, high balls became a viable option!
56:23
Leitner swung a cross from the right flank.
Barrios outmuscled Dante but the header lacked power.
58:19
Ter Stegen sensed danger and tried to slow the tempo, but the referee warned him not to waste time.
He had no choice but to pass short to Stranzl.
Stranzl passed horizontally to Nordtveit in the center, as Gladbach maintained their three-center-back formation.
Nordtveit sent the ball to Dante, but Barrios pressed from behind, forcing a return pass. Leitner quickly closed in.
The 19-year-old, stifled in the first half, found his rhythm on the right wing.
Nordtveit booted the ball forward.
But the 181 cm Bobadilla was no match for the 188 cm Hummels.
Possession switched instantly.
The ball landed in open space on the left, and GroÃkreutz sprinted over, controlling it before the opponent arrived.
Without hesitation, GroÃkreutz turned and launched a long pass.
The ball soared toward the right.
Leitner surged forward, barely nudging the ball down with his toe.
Before Jantschke could close in, Leitner pushed the ball forward and delivered a cross.
Barrios leaped high, contending with Dante.
Barrios' movement before the jump was crucial.
As GroÃkreutz's pass headed right, Barrios feinted right but abruptly braked, sliding behind Dante.
It was a blind spot.
As Dante searched for Barrios, the striker re-emerged!
Barrios was now ahead of Dante!
Boom!
The ball rocketed into the bottom right corner!
Ter Stegen twitched but could only watch the ball nestle in the net...
Barrios, the halftime substitute, had equalized with a powerful header!
Ye Chen, positioned in the box, broke into a smile.
This attack was simple yet effectiveâthe fast-paced strategy Klopp always emphasized.
Regain possession and threaten the goal within three passes!
Catch the opponent off guard.
This attack had little to do with Ye Chen, but that was fine.
After all, Dortmund was already Bundesliga champion before Ye Chen joined!
More importantly, this goal revealed the team's rekindled fighting spiritâthey wanted to win!
As the goal landed, the Gladbach crowd fell silent, stunned by Barrios' header.
Stiel, in the commentary booth, was left speechless.
"Gooooooal!!!"
"Barri~~~"
"os~~~"
Kahn's ecstatic voice echoed through Borussia Park.
"What a brilliant play by Dortmund! Two passes tore Gladbach's defense apart, and Ter Stegen could do nothing about Barrios' header!"
"It's all square again!"
"But there's still plenty of timeâboth teams can win this!"
As Kahn noted, it was only the 50th minuteâplenty of time remained.
Gladbach was dissatisfied and ramped up the attack.
Favre subbed in the speedy Australian forward Mathew Leckie for Bobadilla.
The crowd applauded Bobadilla's efforts.
Another switch brought Hanke, a towering target man, on for Stranzl.
Hanke, known for his aerial prowess, was Gladbach's go-to when they needed a breakthrough.
Both teams shifted to a 4-4-2, each pairing a tall striker with a pacey forward.
The outcome would depend on their execution.
68:24
Dortmund initiated a counter from the back.
Ye Chen dropped deep to collect the ball.
Instantly, Istace pressed, but Ye Chen's quick step-overs left him bewildered.
A sudden left-footed pass sent GündoÄan bursting forward, threading the ball into the box.
Barrios, slightly slower, was intercepted by Ter Stegen.
87:24
GündoÄan was fouled outside the box, earning Dortmund a free kick.
As he prepared to take it, Ye Chen approached quietly.
"I want to try. Can I?" he whispered.
"Sure, I'll cover for you," GündoÄan nodded.
Both players measured their steps.
The referee blew the whistle.
Ye Chen stepped forwardâa curling strike flew into the top right corner!
Goal!
Ye Chen sprinted toward the fans, roaring: "Who else?!"