Borussia Dortmund paid dearly for its victory over arch-rivals Schalke 04 on Saturday.
BVB defeated the eleven derby beginners of the Royal Blues 1-0 (0-0), but is worried about Marco Reus: The leader who was so strong recently had to be carried off the pitch in the first half, apparently seriously injured.
For comparison: Only Mats Hummels played his derby number 21 for BVB – after a short delay in the kick-off due to pyrotechnics in the south stand.
A goal by substitute Youssoufa Moukoko (79th) in front of 81,100 spectators meant the fourth BVB derby win in a row.
The last time there was such a series for one of the two big clubs from the former coalfield was in 1967.
Dortmund conquered the top of the table with 15 points for the time being.
Schalke have been without a derby goal for 454 minutes.
The pressure on BVB, who started with four changes, was high.
There were no excuses: "We want and have to win this game," said sports director Sebastian Kehl before kick-off on Sky.
The clear outsider Schalke wanted to "really rock one" even without a derby routine, as coach Frank Kramer emphasized.
Dortmund were under pressure and they put pressure on.
Donyell Malen hit the outside netting (7th), a series of crosses and corners didn't bring anything either.
Schalke survived the stormy initial phase with proper defensive order in the back four and a little bit of luck.
Parallel to the late arrival of their ultras, the royal blues fought their way into the game.
The bitter moment for Reus followed.
The captain, who was so strong last, twisted his right foot, drummed on the lawn in pain and covered his face in horror.
The 33-year-old was treated for minutes and ultimately carried off (32nd).
Most recently, Reus was nominated by national coach Hansi Flick on the way to Qatar for the upcoming international matches, and he already missed the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 and 2021 European Championships.
Seconds after the five-minute break, Jude Bellingham had the first big chance of the game with a header, while Schalke goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow saved it.
Anthony Modeste headed wide of the goal in one of his few ball contacts (45th).
Offensive moments from the guests remained very rare.
BVB attacked more determined after the break, Malen (46th) had a good opportunity straight away.
And the defensively consistent Schalke finally showed up dangerously in the opposing penalty area: Schlotterbeck blocked a shot by Kenan Karaman (61').
BVB trainer Edin Terzic wanted to force victory by substituting Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko in the rain that set in - it succeeded.