Borussia Dortmund displayed the resilience and composure of genuine title contenders as they secured a fifth consecutive Bundesliga victory with a dramatic 2-1 win away to VfL Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena.

Having capitalised on Bayern Munich dropping points last week, Dortmund knew victory would further increase the pressure on the league leaders ahead of Bayern’s upcoming clash with Hoffenheim. With the title race intensifying, Edin Terzić’s side were determined to seize their opportunity.

Despite Dortmund’s dominance in possession, it was Wolfsburg who looked more dangerous in the opening stages. The hosts missed a golden chance midway through the first half when Mohamed Amoura raced through on goal, only to blaze his effort high and wide with just Gregor Kobel to beat.

Dortmund’s first clear opening arrived around the half-hour mark. Julian Ryerson found space inside the box but lacked composure, sending his shot over the bar despite having time to steady himself. Moments later, Ryerson turned provider, cutting the ball back for Maximilian Beier, whose deflected effort struck the crossbar.

As half-time approached, Dortmund began to turn the screw and were rewarded in the 38th minute. Ryerson’s corner was met by a perfectly timed run from Julian Brandt, who headed in brilliantly at the near post to give the visitors the lead.

Wolfsburg had developed a reputation for high-scoring encounters, with both teams finding the net in 11 of their previous 12 matches before kick-off. That trend continued early in the second half when Konstantinos Koulierakis rose highest to power home Christian Eriksen’s free-kick delivery, drawing the hosts level seven minutes after the restart.

The momentum shifted firmly in Wolfsburg’s favour, and Niko Kovač’s side struggled to regain control. Amoura was presented with another golden opportunity when he found himself one-on-one again, but this time he fired straight at Kobel, who stood firm.

With confidence growing, Wolfsburg pushed for a winner and came agonisingly close on 80 minutes. Substitute Lovro Majer met a cross inside the area, only to see his header crash against the crossbar.

Frustration was evident on the touchline for Wolfsburg coach Daniel Bauer, as his side dominated the second half but failed to make their superiority count.

That profligacy proved costly in the closing stages. Fábio Silva slipped Serhou Guirassy through on goal, and the striker made no mistake, curling a superb finish into the far corner with his only shot on target to snatch a vital late victory for Die Schwarzgelben.

The late setback was a bitter blow for Wolfsburg, who remain locked in a battle to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga for the first time since 1997. For Dortmund, however, the win was a statement of intent, moving them to within three points of Bayern Munich as they chase their first league title since the 2011/12 season.