By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- For decades the city of Dortmund has been dedicated to football.
People wear BVB shirts for work, windows are decorated with flags of the Black and Yellows while tourists travel to the Borsig place, a spot in the center that is said to be the birthplace of Borussia Dortmund.
In the spring of 2023, the entire city seems to be on fire again.
For the first time since the 2011/12 campaign, Borussia has captured the league lead quite late in a season. Eleven years ago, things developed into a massive party with everyone out on the streets celebrating for days.
After the disappointing 3-3 draw in Stuttgart having gambled away a 2-0 lead, things seem to have changed.
The sporting director Sebastian Kehl's official announcement of wanting to win the national title was followed by the positive statement of coach Edin Terzic.
The club's fans seemed to have waited just for the official starting call.
Taking benefit of the setback of rival Bayern Munich, Borussia got through the stress-test-like challenge facing Eintracht Frankfurt in Saturday's late game.
The club leaders in advance lifted spirits by setting up eye-to-eye talks with team leaders such as Mats Hummels.
Strengthening concentration also seemed to have helped as a satisfying performance against Eintracht.
Hummels turned into an always-pushing leader taking the group with him and delivering an encouraging example.
Players promised to not think too much about the parties at the Borsig place but as goalkeeper Gregor Kobel put it: "To only think about the next game. But it's in our hands now, that is making us proud."
There are five more to come starting with the delicate task this Friday in Bochum. Enjoying three encounters on home soil and only two away is creating a positive mood. The BVB managed to win the recent nine games at home and set a record.
The one-point lead over Bayern might be tight but it is opening doors for bold dreams. "I am happy we came back, but I am not celebrating as we are not finished yet," Terzic stated.
Supporters meanwhile prepare for the biggest celebration festival in over a decade. "German champion is only the BVB," they cheered. ■
