BVB extended their unbeaten league run under Peter Stöger to six matches. But had André Schürrle not grabbed a late winner, it would have been the fourth draw in a row, which would have "set tongues wagging". Instead, however, the record after six games reads three wins, three draws, 12 points, which equates to an average of two points per match.

To put that into perspective, an average of two points per match would mean a total of 68 at the end of the season. Such a haul would only have denied Borussia Dortmund second spot in the Bundesliga once in the last five years (Wolfsburg obtained 69 points in 2014/15).

"I'll happily take an average of two points per match. It's nice that someone recognises that," said Peter Stöger following the 3-2 victory at 1. FC Köln on Friday evening: "I am very happy that we won the match. It was an important victory. When you haven't won three matches since the winter break, it is natural that tongues then start wagging in Dortmund because the objective is to reach the Champions League." Nonetheless, the Austrian saw his team, who he felt delivered a "decent performance" move up to second place for a night at least. "We always managed to find an answer against an opponent who gave absolutely everything. We attacked with more purpose and we were also more effective than we have been in recent games."

It proved to be a good decision to slot Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi in after just two training sessions. The Belgian put BVB 1-0 and 2-1 up. Stöger said: "The fact the match went like that for him is a dream for everyone involved." The winning goal was scored by André Schürrle, whom Stöger described as an extraordinarily capable footballer and believes it will help the World Cup winner to rediscover his strength: "For him to score a winner at this stage is extremely positive."
Boris Rupert