LEVERKUSEN (dpa-AFX) – With unrestrained fervor, BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl shouted out his relief over Borussia Dortmund's immensely important victory in the top match. "Yessss!" Kehl exclaimed as he made his way to the locker room after the 2-1 (1-0) win at Bayer Leverkusen. On the pitch, Dortmund's players celebrated their good fortune: after two winless matches, each marred by last-minute goals conceded, BVB finally managed to hold on to a narrow victory.

And it came against a top team. Dortmund had previously failed to win against RB Leipzig (1-1), VfB Stuttgart (3-3), and Bayern Munich (1-2). "I'm glad when I can close files like these. Off to the archives with them," midfielder Julian Brandt quipped.

The relaxed mood was all the greater because the 4-0 Champions League triumph over Villarreal and now the win in the first of two high-profile clashes with former champions Leverkusen have brought much-needed calm. On Tuesday, Dortmund will face Leverkusen again at home in the DFB-Pokal round of 16.

Two Wins in a Week Full of Potential Turmoil

After last week's memorable general assembly—where long-serving club boss Hans-Joachim Watzke was re-elected president with just 59 percent of the vote—rumors about a possible departure of star defender Nico Schlotterbeck, and reports of a criminal order against Karim Adeyemi for illegal possession of a weapon, the potential for unrest at BVB was immense. "Today, we've set things on the right track," Kehl said.

In the league, Dortmund have leapfrogged Leverkusen again, a direct ticket to the Champions League round of 16 beckons, and in the DFB-Pokal, Dortmund aim to reach the quarterfinals on Tuesday. "I do believe all the guys know that today, and also on Tuesday, things are heading in a certain direction," Kehl said. "We're doing very well in all three competitions, and the focus is absolutely there."

Karim Adeyemi Responds on the Pitch

Indeed, BVB's players have recently provided the right sporting answers to off-field distractions. After reports of his criminal order, Adeyemi has responded with three goals in three matches, repaying his coach's trust. "Karim was kissed by the good Lord and given a speed he needs to make even more use of," enthused Kovac on Sky on Saturday, after Adeyemi headed in the decisive 2-0. "I've never seen a player jump as high as him."

Saturday's victory also proved invaluable regarding the Schlotterbeck situation. The 25-year-old's contract runs until 2027, and several top European clubs—including Bayern Munich—are reportedly interested. Schlotterbeck is said to make any potential contract extension in Dortmund dependent on the club's title prospects and had pointed to the double-header with Leverkusen as a key indicator.

"Nico knows what he has at BVB. We'd love to extend with him and further his development," said Kehl, while Brandt added: "I'm not worried about my Schlotti."