Finally, the time has come: VfB returns to the international stage and faces Real Madrid in a competitive match for the first time in its club history.
It has been 4,037 days or eleven years and nineteen days since VfB last played in a European competition. The late equalizer by Rijeka’s Mujanovic marked the beginning of a break from international football that lasted longer than any before it. In the ’70s and ’90s, VfB fans already had to wait five years for a return to European football—but a full eleven years?! Unimaginable. Even longer ago is the last of only a handful of appearances in the Champions League in VfB’s history, which was exactly 14 years and six months ago. After a decade of decline and suffering, any European competition would have been welcome. But the fact that VfB is finally able to compete with Europe’s best again is, of course, the well-deserved reward for a fabulous season and finishing as runners-up.
I was in the stadium for the first leg against Barcelona in February 2010 and can still vividly remember how the Champions League anthem played as our players walked out. For many VfB fans, though, this is a completely new experience—perhaps one of the highlights of their fan journey so far, alongside many exciting matches. For me, it’s a trip back in time to when participating in international football was so routine that sometimes the stadium wouldn’t even be full, and finishing mid-table in the Bundesliga was a disappointment. After two relegations and two last-minute rescue missions, returning to this level is no longer taken for granted, and the excitement is accordingly huge. You can rightfully say: VfB is back!
And after the hard-fought late victory in Mönchengladbach, we can fully enjoy this game and everything around it. This fits well with the
Personnel situation
that coach Sebastian Hoeneß announced at his first Champions League press conference. Only Leonidas Stergiou and Ameen Al-Dakhil are missing; all other players registered for the competition are ready to play. This puts Hoeneß in a dilemma for the
Possible starting lineup.
My suggestion:
Millot and Führich, who came off the bench in Gladbach, rotate back into the starting lineup. In central defense, Rouault, who performed strongly after coming on, replaces the young Anrie Chase.
Statistics
As mentioned, this is the first official meeting between the two clubs; previously, there were only two friendly matches. I don’t need to pull out any stats on Real Madrid. The Madrid side are both record holders and defending champions of the competition. Real currently sits in third place in La Liga with 11 points after five games. Kylian Mbappé has been the most prolific so far with three goals. Interestingly, four of their nine goals this season have come from penalties, including one in Saturday’s 2–0 win over Real Sociedad San Sebastian.
Conclusion
VfB celebrates its return to Europe against the toughest opponent you could choose. With a courageous performance, the team can continue building confidence at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. With Madrid, it’s even tougher than Leverkusen last season: at some point, they always strike. But one thing hasn’t changed in the last 14 years—for us VfB fans, attending a Champions League match is still a privilege and a celebration. Let’s celebrate it appropriately!
Picture: © PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images