The second half began with Dortmund showing increased urgency and precision. The tactical adjustments that Klopp had made during the interval were subtle but effective, creating new angles of attack and exploiting the fatigue that was beginning to show in Hannover's pressing.
Mateo's first goal in Bundesliga football came in the 55th minute, and it was a moment of pure artistry that would be replayed countless times in the years to come. The move began with a simple pass from Hummels, but what followed was a masterclass in movement, vision, and clinical finishing.
Receiving the ball thirty yards from goal, Mateo immediately spotted a run from Lewandowski that was pulling Hannover's central defenders out of position. But instead of playing the obvious pass, he held onto the ball for a crucial extra second, allowing the space to develop further.
