Borussia Dortmund are continuing to focus only on themselves after a 3-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach reduced the arrears on first-placed Bayern Munich back to eight points and increased their advantage over Gladbach in fourth to 12 points.
The Westphalians have made no secret that they are focusing on qualifying for the Champions League next season and not challenging Bayern for the title.
That remains the case after their first game of the second half of the season, according to Ilkay Gundogan, even if the gap to the top is now less than the gulf below them.
"We're just looking at ourselves first and foremost, not looking back or ahead," said the scorer of Dortmund's third goal. "We're glad to have increased our advantage over them and we've got to keep proving ourselves each week.
"We play Hertha next and they are another direct rival, so we want to keep them at bay to try to secure second."
Few sides have been able to pick up maximum points at the Borussia Park Stadion this season, in fact it was Andre Schubert's first loss at home.
When Raffael pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, Dortmund got to see exactly how intimidating the arena can be and Marco Reus admitted it was a delicate moment of the game.
"I know that because I used to play here," he told Sky Sport Deutschland. "I know what it feels like when you pull a goal back.
"There were about 10 minutes when we stopped playing and it can get dangerous for you, but we made it 3-1 and that knocked the stuffing out of them."
Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel credited his captain Mats Hummels with steadying the ship when Gladbach were threatening to equalise.
"It's always jittery in the Bundesliga, especially against Gladbach -- the fans get very noisy and when you are only 2-1 up and playing risky football yourself, then you've got to work hard not to lose your nerves," Tuchel said.
"But we had a top, top captain on the field, I've got to say, and Mats set the example with his attitude.
"Then we had three great subs who made their mark on the game when they came on.
"We played well, and deserved it I think. We knew we needed a complete performance and it is not easy after a short break and short preparation period, but it was a very mature performance with a good mentality and we stood up to the challenge."