Chapter 195: Chapter 195: If We Can Win the Bundesliga Once, We Can Win It Again

Leverkusen currently sits sixth in the league, undoubtedly a strong contender.

The team's star players are all German internationals.

In addition to the previously mentioned Schürrle, Lars Bender is also a national team player.

Of course, the Bender brothers are known as the most handsome twin brothers in football, and this match has been dubbed by the media as the "Battle of Brothers."

German midfield legend Michael Ballack also plays for Leverkusen, but as a 35-year-old veteran, his role is mostly as a substitute. Today, he starts on the bench.

Additionally, Kießling, who was part of Germany's 2010 World Cup squad that finished third, is also on the team. Although his form has declined, making him a rare sight in the national team, his abilities are undeniable.

Before the match, Bundesliga media hyped it as a clash of titans, but when the game started, it felt somewhat lackluster.

Dortmund lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ye Chen partnering Lewandowski as the two strikers.

Perišić and Kagawa took the left midfield, while Mane played on the right. The back four consisted of Schmelzer, Hummels, Subotić, and Piszczek. Weidenfeller returned to the starting goalkeeper position.

Before the match, Ye Chen received his task – to lead Dortmund to victory at home! A win would earn him 100 points!

After the previous victory, Ye Chen accumulated 25 points, bringing his total to 385 points. He was just 100 points away from purchasing a new position!

During this period, Ye Chen realized that the midfield lacked toughness when playing 4-4-2.

Kagawa's defensive abilities were weak, and as a second striker, Ye Chen couldn't drop back too much, reducing the overall strength in midfield.

Dortmund previously used Kehl and Sven Bender in midfield. Kehl was a versatile and tough defensive player. However, with two strikers, one midfielder had to be sacrificed.

Ye Chen's organizational skills were average, forcing Dortmund to choose between Kehl and Sven Bender.

It wasn't about who played but rather about the midfield's lack of defensive solidity.

Against weaker teams, this wasn't an issue, but against strong opponents, the midfield could crumble.

This was Klopp's dilemma.

As the Champions League knockout stage approached, the area around Dortmund's Westfalenstadion was filled with Champions League decorations.

Players received new jerseys with Champions League patches. Fans eagerly expressed their excitement in their own ways.

However, Klopp was torn – should they stick with the familiar 4-2-3-1 or the more aggressive 4-4-2 for the Champions League clash?

In the 4-2-3-1, Ye Chen's priority would drop, and he might even start on the bench since Lewandowski's presence up front was crucial.

In modern football, Lewandowski's tactical role was significant, though he rarely held onto the ball. He typically passed it off, leaving playmaking to Kagawa.

Ye Chen's presence gave Lewandowski another option. Their partnership grew stronger once Dortmund switched to two strikers, and their off-field relationship also improved.

Benching Ye Chen for Lewandowski wasn't an option – Klopp dismissed that idea quickly.

In the end, Klopp decided to have Kagawa play on the left, with Kehl and Sven Bender in midfield. This ensured midfield toughness and attacking prowess, though it sacrificed some playmaking and possession.

It was a trade-off – like choosing between a fish and a bear's paw.

Klopp often thought how useful it would be if Ye Chen could play on the wing – like Ronaldo, who often drifted inside from the left as a free-roaming forward.

But Ye Chen's positional awareness wasn't sharp enough. His one attempt as a left winger didn't go well, and he was firmly established as a second striker ever since.

If only Kehl were a few years younger. At 32, he couldn't handle consecutive games.

Although Gündoğan was a capable substitute, his defensive skills weren't as strong as Kehl's.

Even at Manchester City, Gündoğan needed Rodri to cover defensively. Development took time, and Gündoğan wasn't quite there yet.

Returning to the match against Leverkusen, Lina, absent from the previous cup match, was present this time, sitting in the front row.

Many fans recognized her and took pictures.

During warm-ups, Ye Chen ran over to hug Lina, and the crowd cheered for a kiss – but Ye Chen ignored them.

Those intimate moments were reserved for later, in private.

Not only hugs and kisses, but Ye Chen was ready to "perform" for Lina later that night.

The match began with the fans singing. Dortmund was on a 13-game unbeaten streak in the league, giving fans great confidence.

Right from the start, Ye Chen was highly active, firing two long shots within five minutes.

Unfortunately, Leverkusen's new €7.5 million signing Leno was in outstanding form, keeping the goal intact.

But everyone knew – Ye Chen rarely needed more than three attempts for a long-range goal.

At 8 minutes and 24 seconds, Leverkusen attacked down the left, but Hummels cleared the ball.

Kagawa picked it up and passed directly to Ye Chen.

Ye Chen quickly crossed the halfway line, and as defenders backed off, he took a powerful shot without hesitation.

"Boom!"

From over 30 meters out, the ball rocketed into the top corner.

Even with his sharp reflexes, Leno couldn't stop it.

Ye Chen celebrated with a heart gesture towards Lina.

But the spectacular goal drew the attention of Lars Bender, who fouled Ye Chen aggressively twice.

Sven Bender intervened, but Lars wasn't backing down.

Klopp, sensing trouble, substituted Kehl for Ye Chen early in the second half, reverting to 4-2-3-1.

Kagawa scored in the 47th minute, sealing the match 2-0 for Dortmund.

Post-match, Klopp explained that the substitution was to protect Ye Chen for the upcoming Champions League match.

However, Italian media twisted the story, with Inter Milan players chiming in.

Milito joked that Klopp was like Ye Chen's mom, while Yuto Nagatomo teased that avoiding contact wasn't surprising for Ye Chen, comparing him to Chinese footballers.

As Dortmund prepared for the knockout stage, Inter's confidence soared – they believed they could dominate the Bundesliga champions once again.