Reus says goodbye to the South Stand with deep feelings
Marco Reus steals the show with a breathtaking performance during his final home game with Borussia Dortmund before the BVB icon played his last match in the Bundesliga. In a dominating 4-0 (2-0) victory over relegated Darmstadt 98, Reus, 34, left a lasting impression with a goal and an assist, setting the tone for a successful dress rehearsal for Edin Terzić's squad as they prepare to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final on June 1.
Ian Maatsen (30) got the ball rolling after a stunning assist from Reus, who later found the back of the net off a superb free-kick (38') in the first half. The second half brought Julian Brandt (72') and Donyell Malen (88') to join Reus in the scoring column. BVB ended the season in the fifth spot with 63 points, while Darmstadt was forced to return to the second division after a short stay in the Bundesliga.
Coach Terzić acted with great intention, placing Reus in his starting line-up to give the BVB icon a fitting send-off. The team captain Emre Can even gifted Reus the captain's armband he had worn for many years. The first emotional moment of the day struck during warm-ups, when Reus took the spotlight, with standing ovations echoing across the stadium.
The game was underway, and Dortmund displayed determination to improve from their last disappointing performance at FSV Mainz 05. Despite a close call in the eleventh minute, when Reus slammed the ball against the crossbar, Borussia ruled the field. Exciting moments were scarce, but Reus took advantage of the few chances created with an exquisite free-kick goal.
In the second half, Eintracht Frankfurt joyously welcomed the return of Sebastian Rode and Makoto Hasebe for one last time at Deutsche Bank Park in their 2-2 (0-1) draw against RB Leipzig. Frankfurt recovered from a 0-2 deficit thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitiké (51') and Omar Marmoush (69') off a penalty. The Hessians now await the outcome of the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid - should Dortmund win, Frankfurt will secure their place in the Bundesliga for the following season.
Eintracht showed early promise in the game, creating numerous opportunities for goals. Eintracht strikers Ekitiké and Marmoush missed their chances to score, while Leipzig's Péter Gulácsi, RB's top keeper in the second half of the season, impressively blocked their efforts. Mannschaft took an early lead with a penalty converted by Xavi during the first half, but the initial referee's ruling deemed that the initial shot had not crossed the goal line, allowing for a redo. Leonardo Bittencourt, who entered later, managed to set up a second penalty for Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, who extended the lead.
After halting the game due to smoke incursion in the video cube at the Frankfurt Arena, the game resumed with Leipzig looking more aggressive in attack. However, Eintracht pushed forward and reduced the deficit with Ekitiké's goal. Just before the end, Marmoush converted a vital penalty kick to tie the match. The match had a fitting conclusion, with both captains leaving the pitch to a standing ovation.
When the game continued, Hesse quickly equalized. Ekitiké headed the ball in following a cross from Angar Knauf. Frankfurt tried to take control, but Leipzig had the next great opportunity. Initially, an inaccurate pass from Eintracht defender Tuta struck the post, and Eljif Elmas followed with a shot that also hit the aluminum. Frankfurt then had another turn in this chaotic sequence. Marmoush was taken down in a scuffle with Benjamin Henrichs in the penalty area. Zwayer, after reviewing the video, ruled a penalty and the fouled player calmly converted it.
In the extra moments, veterans Rode and Hasebe played their last game. The pair was emotionally supported by the crowd when they entered the field and honored with a proper farewell after the final blow of the whistle.
Read also:
- Prodigies of sport: Littler's predecessors
- Nagelsmann's announcement: A restless Christmas for national team players
- What sports fans prefer to watch on television
- The calm before the upheaval: Nagelsmann's European Championship plans
- Despite RB Leipzig's strong performance, SV Darmstadt 98's relegation to the second division in the Soccer Bundesliga was confirmed, as they failed to match Dortmund's dominance during their encounter.
- Despite dealing with the emotional toll of bidding farewell to Borussia Dortmund and the Soccer Bundesliga, Marco Reus managed to contribute with a goal and an assist in his final home game, demonstrating his outstanding talent on the pitch.
- In the aftermath of Borussia Dortmund's 4-0 victory against SV Darmstadt 98, Bundesliga fans eagerly await the encounter between the BVB and Real Madrid in the Champions League final, with Eintracht Frankfurt's future in the Bundesliga dependent on Dortmund's success.
Source: www.ntv.de
