Need to deliver against Schalke on both an emotional and sporting level

The players might have been satisfied with the win after the Stuttgart match, but they were already looking ahead. "Of course, I absolutely want to win the derby. We're going there to win the game," said Christian Pulisic, whose curious and probably unintentional opening goal against the Swabians had helped free his team from the shackles of uncertainty, which had been brought about by the defeat in Munich and was clear to see in the Black & Yellows ranks in the opening half-hour. "The fact that it went in is of course a bit of luck. Good for us! After the goal we grew in self-confidence. That made the match a lot easier," explained Pulisic.

Repeat the success of 2013

The memories of the first Ruhr derby this season – when Schalke left the pitch feeling like they had won after clawing back a four-goal deficit to draw 4-4 – are still firmly entrenched in the minds of Black & Yellows everywhere. The scenario back then was the same as it is now: BVB face S04 knowing a win in the derby will take them above their arch-rivals in the table. This time, though, it will be even more intense. Only one point separates the Black & Yellows from the Royal Blues, so the two teams are essentially competing for second place, although of course each side has four further matches still to play this season.

"None of us will forget the reverse fixture. That's why we want to win more than ever," said Nuri Sahin. "I especially want to win this time after the 4-4 last time out," added Christian Pulisic. Borussia Dortmund's objective is therefore clear: get a result that will somehow lay to rest the demons of Matchday 13. It won't be easy against a Schalke side enjoying their best campaign since 2013/14, when they finished the season third – seven points adrift of second-placed BVB. Incidentally, it was in that season that the Black & Yellows last triumphed in Gelsenkirchen, with Aubameyang, Blaszczykowski and Sahin the scorers in a 3-1 win that came thanks in part to Weidenfeller saving a Boating penalty when the visitors were leading 1-0. Borussia Dortmund would be more than satisfied with a repeat performance this weekend.

"One of the greatest derbies in Europe"

To make that happen, Maximilian Philipp believes they will need a "united team performance". Sporting Director Michael Zorc expanded on that point in an interview after the Stuttgart match: "We'll need to up our performance another notch," said Zorc, "but we're raring to go for the Ruhr derby!" Nuri Sahin, who could be involved in his 16th Ruhr derby on Sunday, repeatedly emphasised the significance of what is a special match: "I'm confident. The table situation says it all. It's the most important derby in Germany, one of the greatest in Europe." Should the visitors win, they will be up to second and the picture will look very different. "That must be the aim. That's how we'll approach it – both on an emotional and sporting level."
Dennis-Julian Gottschlich