Remember the name: Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund players celebrate winning 4-1 in the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg against Real Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on April 24, 2013 in Dortmund, Germany. (Getty Images)

The people who did not watch the match at Signal Iduna Park will probably kicking themselves. Before the game, bookies were holding the odds very close, but by the time it ended the easiest bet was whether Borussia Dortmund would get a fifth.

Over the last two days the world has been treated to brilliant football. The brand of football displayed by the German twin towers really redefines the term ‘team game.’ Bayern have been on the ascendancy and are a powerhouse. The team that deserves all the attention at the moment though is the team that has probably put a dampener on Real Madrid’s plans for ‘La Decima’, Borussia Dortmund.

This is a team who have been making waves all through the season and were touted as genuine dark horses for the title. And after a demolition of Jose Mourinho’s men, they look to be on course for Wembley.

Robert Lewandowski did something that no man has ever done before, by scoring four goals against Real Madrid in a single game. And this team is by no stretch of imagination, weak. Lewandowski displayed composure and confidence as dispatched all four of the goals; the Poland international is the form of his life.

The first was a classic poacher’s goal, he met Marcel Schmelzer’s cross perfectly by getting across his man at the pivotal movement and scored. The second again displayed his immense skill. After staying onside, he controlled a quick pass, turned and like all like all great strikers, he knew where the keeper was and tucked it away in the corner. The best of the lot was the third he scored and again Schmelzer was heavily involved. After controlling the ball, he finished with aplomb, with minimal effort and no back lift whatsoever. The fourth was almost academic in nature as Xabi Alonso conceded a cheap penalty and Lewandowski coolly converted, smashing the ball down the middle.

Giving all the credit to Lewandowski would be the easy thing to do. But credit must be given to Jurgen Klopp as well. He has instilled in them a tireless mental and physical attitude, tactical acumen and team spirit. Combine this with the talent that Dortmund has in its ranks and their success makes perfect sense.

Ilkay Gundogan was brilliant all through the night. He played two roles and he played them perfectly; breaking up plays launching counter-attacks. Marco Reus caused all the problems early on, his direct running heckling the midfield and defence. Mario Gotze played a more withdrawn role and was the man responsible for closing space down. His off the ball running was inspirational at times. Roman Weindenfeller was spectacular when called upon.

Mats Hummels, who was responsible for conceding the Madrid’s goal, was the only one who looked out of place. A rather harsh assessment honestly, as the German has been in inspired form though the season. Dortmund were extremely pleasing to the eye, with their flowing one-touch football causing havoc.

This is a team on the way up, and while Gotze will and Lewandowski may leave in the summer, Dortmund will most definitely re-strengthen and re-emerge, not as dark horses though but as real contenders. Because that is what they are: a perfect team.