He weaved past five defenders before firing a powerful shot into the left corner of the net for BVB’s second goal against Hannover 96 on Saturday. “I really wanted to put the ball away,” said Robert Lewandowski after the game. In a post-match interview, the Dortmund striker not only talks about his great strike, but also about the upcoming Revierderby against Schalke 04.

How important was this win over Hannover to get the defeats against St Petersburg and Gladbach out of the heads ahead of Tuesday’s derby?

This win was very, very important as we have picked up a lot of confidence for the derby. We really needed to win today, especially after the two disappointing defeats.

How did you experience the game?

It was a very difficult game, especially in the first half as Hannover put in a good fight. The goal shortly before the interval of course played into our hands. But we knew at halftime that we needed at least one more goal, and once we scored that it got easier for us. This win will give us a lot of confidence for the derby on Tuesday.

Before your goal you coasted past five defenders like they weren’t there and fired home. Tell us how you scored that great goal.

I got the ball on the left, and then cut inside. I really wanted to put this ball away, but I also didn’t see an open man. When I got to the area I saw an opening and just ran past everyone. When I see an opportunity to shoot, I take it. I aimed for the near post, and fortunately the ball went in.”

You already mentioned the Revierderby on Tuesday. Do you think the team will be able to carry this momentum into that game? What are your expectations?

Schalke have only one point less than we do, so it’s not just the derby itself that motivates us. It’s also the battle for second place, and that’s where we want to finish the season. This is a real top match now, and we really want to win it. We fared quite well in the last couple of derbies, and I hope this is also the case on Tuesday. We will be highly motivated.”