A goosebumps moment followed the 3-2 win over Atalanta as the BVB players and fans celebrated the victory together, continuing the showing of solidarity that had characterised the previous 94 minutes. The superb support from the stands was a key factor in helping Borussia Dortmund grab a winner at the death. "We really wanted to turn the game and in the end managed that with the help of our fans," said Michy Batshuayi of the important role the fans played on Thursday evening.

The Belgian played a crucial part in the victory with his two goals, but he was at pains to make sure Mario Götze's contribution did not go unnoticed. "Mario also deserves the credit for brilliantly setting me up for both goals," said Batshuayi. Together with André Schürrle and returnee Marco Reus, Batshuayi and Götze have helped the Black & Yellows get into their groove following a modest start to the second half of the season. With each passing game, they seem to be regaining the self-confidence that was missing for so long before the winter break.

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>>> Match report: Batshuayi with stoppage-time winner as BVB come from behind to win 3-2

Obviously, going into the return leg of their last 32 tie next Thursday with a 3-2 lead is not the perfect scenario. It gives the Italians every reason to be hopeful. "Having conceded two goals it obviously won't be easy in Italy next week," said Mario Götze. Coach Peter Stöger added: "It's definitely not the perfect situation ahead of the return leg. But we know that it's not easy to beat us. I don't actually think the course the game took was that bad at all, because the late goal is very good for morale." In any case, a win or a draw in Bergamo will be enough to see BVB through to the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 next week.

Five goals, one assist – an incredible return!

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Stöger's charges have certainly demonstrated over the last fortnight that they can stand up and be counted. A late 3-2 victory in Cologne was followed by a liberating 2-0 win over Hamburg courtesy of another last-gasp goal, before the 3-2 stoppage time triumph over Atalanta this Thursday. BVB have shown they are capable of turning games around and winning them in the closing stages – largely thanks to Batshuayi, Götze and Schürrle, at least two of whom have been involved in each of the decisive goals over the last two weeks.

>>> Stöger: "I think we've got a decent chance"

Schürrle's form has been consistently improving since Cologne. He scored the winning goal in that game, before setting up Götze for the all-important second goal against Hamburg. And with an excellent first-half performance that included scoring the opening goal against Atalanta, he again underlined his importance to the team. Then there's Götze, who in addition to scoring the clincher against HSV provided two assists for Batshuayi in the Europa League. And what of the self-proclaimed "Batsman" himself? He's shown how quickly a striker can get off the mark. Five goals and an assist in his first three matches for BVB is an incredible return!

Reus' presence pivotal

BVB's attack finally seem to be fulfilling their potential. Much like his goal against Hamburg, Götze's pass to Batshuayi for the winner against Atalanta fell into the "world-class" category. "In stoppage time I could see that Michy Batshuayi was standing unmarked in the penalty area and played it straight to him. He then did brilliantly, turning lightning-quick and finishing," said Götze of the move. But there's also another figure behind the increasing momentum of the last two weeks and, in particular, the last two games: Marco Reus.

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He seems to have lifted BVB to another level simply by being involved. In both games since returning from injury, the captain has stood out thanks to his presence and his agility. Much like Batshuayi, he's not needed much time to get into his stride despite being sidelined for nine months. "It's clear that after such a long break not everything is optimal yet. But things are looking really good," Peter Stöger of the returning midfielder. Let's hope then, that the entire forward line remains fit and continues in the same vein. Starting with the trip to Mönchengladbach this Sunday…
Dennis-Julian Gottschlich

>>> Reactions: "This victory gives us self-confidence"