But in the second half, something shifted. Mateo, fueled by the System's Mental Fortitude protocol and his own burning desire to win, began to adapt. He started releasing the ball quicker, his one-touch passing turning Zenit's aggression against them. He drew defenders to him and then slipped the ball into the space they had vacated. Dortmund began to take control.
In the 65th minute, their dominance paid off. A quick passing move found Reus in the box, and he was brought down by a clumsy challenge.
Penalty. Lewandowski stepped up and coolly dispatched it. 1-0 to Dortmund. The small contingent of traveling fans erupted, a lonely pocket of noise in the hostile stadium.
Zenit, stung by the goal, responded with even more aggression. The game became a war. In the 78th minute, Mateo, tracking back to defend, was the victim of a vicious, studs-up tackle from Witsel.
