The final friendly match of the China pre-season tour was a revelation. Against a well-regarded Chinese Super League team, Borussia Dortmund delivered a performance that was both dominant and fluid, a stark contrast to the rusty showing of their first game. The scoreline, a resounding 4-0 victory, barely told the full story of a team that had found its rhythm, its voice, and its new identity.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, now fully integrated into his role as the spearhead of the attack, was unplayable. His pace was a constant threat, his movement intelligent, and his finishing clinical.
He bagged two goals, both assisted by Mateo, showcasing the telepathic understanding that had blossomed between them. Mateo, orchestrating from his CAM position, was a maestro, dictating the tempo, threading passes through impossible gaps, and creating chances with breathtaking regularity.
