Borussia Dortmund have returned to winning ways at just the right time, it would seem. The victory over Mainz in midweek was certainly a step in the right direction, but the win over Hoffenheim on Saturday proved the Black & Yellows still have what it takes to clinch a last-gasp win in a match where "victory was by no means inevitable", as new coach Peter Stöger put it. Those two wins have perfectly paved the way for the final match of the year and, as so often happens, the best has been saved for last: BVB face FC Bayern Munich in the DFB Cup on Wednesday.

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Christian Pulisic pops up with a late winner against Hoffenheim.

"In the last two matches we have shown we have the will to win and the right attitude," said Peter Stöger. By holding a number of talks with the team – including many with individual players – the new BVB boss seems to have helped his new charges turn the corner in the Bundesliga within the space of a week. That turnaround was cemented by tonight's victory over direct rivals Hoffenheim – a so-called six-pointer – which lifted the Black & Yellows back into the upper reaches of the table at the close of the first half of the season. For now they occupy third spot, with second-placed Schalke only two points ahead and the Champions League automatic qualification spots again within grasp. Few would have believed it possible after defeat to Bremen a week ago left BVB languishing in eighth.

Stöger optimistic for the future

The key now will be to start the second half of the season as they have finished the first. Once the Christmas period is over, Peter Stöger will have the first opportunity to coach his charges for several days in a row and prepare them for the second half of the season, which kicks off on 14 January. "A few injured players will be returning ahead of the restart, we'll all be able to prepare together," said an optimistic Stöger, adding. "I'm sure that we'll have put a very good team together by spring."

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Peter Stöger believes it's always exciting in Munich.

But first up they face a trip to Munich, where FC Bayern await in the last 16 of the DFB Cup on Wednesday. BVB certainly won't be favourites for that midweek clash, but they will travel to Bavaria with renewed self-confidence following their two league victories in succession. "Let's see what's possible in Munich," said a relaxed Peter Stöger, adding: "It's always exciting but it certainly won't be pleasant there." Jeremy Toljan was slightly more aggressive with his choice of words. "We'll take this self-belief into Wednesday's game. We've won twice and can go there with our heads held high. We've shown in the past few years that we're capable of winning there. Bayern will be wary."

Cup victory the perfect early Christmas present?

Since the return of Jupp Heynckes, the Bavarian have been producing the kind of form they have become synonymous with and known for. But despite sitting top of the winter table with a comfortable 11-point lead, it has not always been plainsailing for the men from Munich – even with Jupp Heynckes at the helm. For example, their last three Bundesliga victories – all by a 1-0 scoreline – have been very close, with Stuttgart, Cologne and Frankfurt all having chances. Gladbach and Hoffenheim have even managed to beat them in the league, as have Paris St. Germain in Europe. "We're certainly in with a chance," said Peter Stöger as he looked ahead to Wednesday's game.

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Wet, but happy: BVB celebrate after beating Bayern in Munich in April.

His team may draw inspiration from their performance in Munich in April, when BVB emerged 3-2 victors over FCB in a crazy DFB Cup semi-final courtesy of goals from Reus, Aubameyang and Dembélé. They then beat Frankfurt a month later to win the trophy. The majority of the players that featured back then are still at the club and fit enough to play. "We know, especially after last season, what we're capable of achieving there," said Julian Weigl. "We're all looking forward to the task. Those who were there for the Cup and held it aloft do not require motivation. That's why we want to reach the next round in Munich." There are few things that would make a nicer early Christmas present than a victory over Bayern. Let's hope then, that history can repeat itself on Wednesday.
Dennis-Julian Gottschlich