Wang Shuo also had a chance in the first half.
He took a long shot from 20 meters out, but Neuer saved it.
He had been consistent with his extra training every day, especially his physical conditioning, which he never skipped.
His physical fitness was definitely improving, but it would still take more time.
But to Wang Shuoâs astonishment, during halftime with the score at 0-0, Magat subbed out Raphinha for the Greek fullback, Pulicicas.
The 21-year-old fullback had also joined Schalke 04 this season and could play both as a fullback and in a deep-lying midfield position.
His defining trait, much like Moritz and Schmitz, was his incredible tenacity during a match.
Clearly, Magat was unhappy that Dortmund had created multiple chances down Schalke 04âs right flank in the first half.
Raphinha was a Brazilian player, strong in attack, but he wasnât very willing to commit to defending.
This substitution seemed to turn Schalke 04 into an impenetrable fortress.
"Is he kidding me?"
On the sidelines, in the home teamâs technical area, Buvac couldnât believe Magatâs substitution.
"Heâs supposed to be a top European manager, one of the best in the Bundesliga. How can he be so conservative?"
Klopp was also at a loss for words.
"Itâs like... the whole world is just waiting for us to run out of stamina..."
Buvac, Krawietz... everyone on the coaching staff looked on, completely stunned.
They didnât know whether to laugh or cry, unsure of how to react.
It was a genuinely awkward situation.
Klopp was sure that Magat was also waiting until after the 60-minute mark to make a sub and strengthen his attack.
"So what do we do now?" Buvac was getting anxious.
More than fifty minutes had passed in the second half.
Time was running out for Dortmund.
"Donât panic yet. Look at Wang. Heâs been more active than usual today, and heâs still full of energy."
Klopp, however, remained completely calm.
As long as Wang Shuo was okay, he was okay.
"Now that you mention it, with him leading the line, Schalke 04âs defenders are having a rough time."
"By the time our stamina runs low, they probably wonât have much left in the tank either."
At this, Buvac himself started to laugh.
What would it be like when Magat finally decided to launch his counterattack, only to find his own backline was out of gas?
"No, no, no, Zeliko. Wangâs most dangerous moment is just about to arrive!"
At Kloppâs words, Buvac, Krawietz, and the others all nodded in agreement.
Anyone who hadnât witnessed it several times could never truly understand how immense Wang Shuoâs stamina was.
He was like a tireless water buffalo!
Especially when you think heâs finishedâthatâs precisely when heâs at his most threatening.
More importantly, Wang Shuo was the type of player who, the bigger the stage, the calmer he became and the better he performed.
They believed his incredible activity today was all because of the Ruhr Derby!
This was one of Dortmundâs most important matches of the season!
In last seasonâs two derby matches, both games between Dortmund and Schalke 04 ended in a draw.
The season before that, Dortmund was crushed, losing 1-4 away and 2-3 at home.
If their past head-to-head record could be considered a mixed bag, Dortmund had clearly been on the losing end in recent seasons.
Schalke 04 had started to shit all over Dortmund.
How could the Bumblebee fans stand for that?
"Listen to the roar of over 80,000 fans here at Westfalen Stadium!"
As he spoke, Klopp strode out of the technical area, turned to the Dortmund supporters in the stands, and began waving his arms frantically, urging them to get even louder.
To give the players on the pitch more support!
âCome on, Bumblebee fans! Let our arch-rivals feel what the hell of Westfalen Stadium is all about!â
Inspired by Kloppâs passionate display, the fans were instantly roused.
The roar from the stands was overwhelming, sweeping across the entire stadium.
The visiting manager, Magat, sitting on the bench, glanced at Klopp and let out a disdainful snort.
He turned his head and spat on the ground, not wanting to look at that scruffy, ungentlemanly oaf again.
He glanced up at the time on the big screen. It was almost the 60-minute mark.
"Quick, get Sanchez and Asamoah to warm up now!"
Magat yelled at his assistant coach.
"Dortmundâs stamina is almost gone. By the 65th minute, at the latest, theyâll crack and be forced to fall back!"
"When that happens, weâll hit them with everything weâve got, press high, and fucking crush them!"
As he finished speaking, Magat clenched his fists and spat out the curse through gritted teeth.
He couldnât help it. The mere sight of Klopp pissed him off!
âWhat gives him and his Dortmund the right to be at the top of the table?â
At that thought, Magat couldnât stay seated.
He shot up from his seat, strode to the sideline, and began shouting at his players, signaling for them to hold firm.
âDortmundâs about to break!â
âJust weather this attack! Hold on until their stamina is gone, and the rest of the match will be ours!â
But how could Magat know that, at that very moment, Schalke 04âs defenders were also under immense pressure?
Especially Zambrano.
The Peruvian center-back was already gasping for air.
But Wang Shuo was still moving as if he were fresh.
On one occasion, when Wang Shuo dropped back to receive a pass, Zambrano was a fraction too slow and failed to get tight on him immediately.
As if he had eyes in the back of his head, Wang Shuo calmly turned after receiving the ball.
The moment their eyes met, Zambrano noticed the look Wang Shuo gave him.
It was like a hunter with a gun, staring down a beast caught in a trap.
As Wang Shuo started to dribble, a chill ran down Zambranoâs spine.
He felt like a fly caught in a spiderâs web, watching the spider slowly close in.
âDamn it, why do his eyes look so excited?!â
Zambrano sensed danger.