Farewell goosebumps propel BVB towards Wembley

Saying goodbye to Goosebumps prompts BVB's journey to Wembley.

For the final time, Marco Reus made an emotional departure in front of Dortmund's Westfalenstadion. Everyone was anticipating a happy ending at Wembley.

As Adi Preißler, a Dortmund soccer hero, once said, "The deciding factor is on the pitch." This time, it meant: What Reus does on the field is crucial. The Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and SV Darmstadt was merely a formality. It was already predicted that Dortmund would stay in fifth, while Darmstadt would end up in last place. The summer match's outcome wasn't particularly significant.

However, it was important: People wanted to witness Reus one last time in this stadium, marvel at his talent, and possibly bid him farewell with a goal. They weren't disappointed. Reus scored a goal and an assist in the 4:0 triumph, which was as ideal as it gets. Reus himself thought it was "a bit cheesy."

Coach Edin Terzić also made sure to send Reus out as the team's captain, just like before. The once-prominent difference-maker, now more of a substitute player, felt goosebumps in front of the massive crowd. "It was very emotional today," said Reus. "Doing it all one last time was something special, and I planned to enjoy it all. It was a perfect day."

"Thank you, Marco" from the south stand

The ceremony preceded the game. Reus was permitted to warm up before his teammates. He was instantaneously cheered on by the 80,000-plus attendees. "That wasn't my intention," Reus remarked afterwards in the press area and chuckled. The "Marco Reus" chants commenced 35 minutes before kick-off. To the backdrop of Adele's "Someone like you," Reus was presented with flowers, a portrait, and farewell messages from club officials and stadium spokesman Nobert Dickel. He then received the first round of farewells in front of the south stand, tapping his heart and indulging in the adoration.

The fans celebrated him with a massive "Thank you Marco!" choreography. Above them, the number 11 was adorned in black and yellow. Even on the way to the stadium, there were more jerseys with the number 11 than usual - "Black and Yellow Legend" was one of them. "One More Time" echoed through the stands.

The game could be summarized quickly. Dortmund sought out Reus after two good opportunities (one hit the crossbar). He set up Ian Maatsen's opening goal through the tunnel. In the 38th minute, some in the crowd began to think it would happen when the ball was positioned meticulously 17 meters away for a free kick. Fans rose to their feet - accompanied by shouts of "in"—he shot it: in. His teammates rejoiced, and the captain offered air kisses to the spectators. "It was like a painting," said Reus about the goal.

Füllkrug unleashes the confetti cannon

The moment of the day came in the 81st minute. Reus exited the pitch to a standing ovation. His teammates stood on a trellis, while even the Darmstadt players joined in the applause. One has to earn that too. Shortly after, at 5:18 pm, the final whistle blew for the attacker's last match in Dortmund. Reus climbed over the fence and headed to the Ultras' chorus. One of them. "We'll win the cup," "European Cup!" "We're all Dortmund boys" - the entire program.

Reus expressed his gratitude for the fan's adoration by donating thousands of liters of free beer. After a lap of honor with a confetti cannon display by Niclas Füllkrug, the Reus celebration ended again in front of the south stand.

There he stood, a half-hour after the final whistle, still in front of the still-packed "Yellow Wall." It was more emotionally charged than usual. For one final time as a Borussia Dortmund player. For one final time at Westfalenstadion. Marco Reus center stage. It wasn't necessarily something he sought or desired. But today, it was unavoidable. The grand curtain call. We won't know what was going through his mind. Perhaps some of the many remarkable moments in this stadium.

A goal that secured a 3-2 victory against FC Bayern in 2018 was one of those moments. Or his derby goal with the iconic "Robin" celebration alongside "Batman" ally Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 3-0 win against Schalke. His sensational solo goal by evading two players in quick succession was another standout moment. And, of course, the equalizer against FC Malaga, as Dortmund dramatically overcame the odds and made the Champions League finale perfect. Unforgettable BVB moments.

Marius Reus will depart from Borussia Dortmund as a true legend, and this is no exaggeration. Born and raised in the city, he progressed through the youth teams and spent an impressive twelve years at the club after a lengthy detour. He's a Dortmund native through and through. Not the most approachable, but adored by the crowd, revered as an icon, the embodiment of modern BVB. His career was defined by ups and downs. "More ups," he declared in his farewell video two weeks ago.

Obstacles were a part of this journey. In Dortmund's youth system, Reus was deemed too light and was released. This error ultimately cost the club €17.5 million. The transfer fee for the attacking talent to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2012, where he made his breakthrough, was that hefty.

Reus made his comeback to Dortmund in 2012, and at the time, he was one of the most exciting players in the league, the hottest property. A sensation. He captivated half the league while playing under coach Lucien Favre at Gladbach with his blend of speed, skill, vision, and finishing prowess. A titan on the field, heralding the dawn of a new era for the double champions as they welcomed this formidable Reus back to the fold. But things did not quite pan out as planned.

Reus functioned as the new savior in Dortmund at a time when Bayern's dominance was nearing unparalleled heights. Lead by Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, and Hansi Flick. It was not until the Nagelsmann/Tuchel era that this faltered. Unfortunately, Dortmund missed their best chance to dethrone Bayern last year on the final matchday. Following the 2:2 draw against Mainz, Reus sobbed on the pitch of the home stadium. The epitome of crushing defeat.

Reus' accomplishments are nothing short of astounding

It's crucial to highlight his feat. As a 34-year-old, Reus has never won a major title in his twelve-year tenure at BVB. There were three Super Cup trophies, but they don't carry the same weight as other accolades. He's only captured two DFB Cup victories, which don't leave quite the same impression. And there's no championship or European title to add to his collection. This resulted in the label of being an underachiever hanging over him, which he still bears.

During his last few years in Dortmund, Reus donned the captain's armband, carrying the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

During this period, Dortmund encountered consistent losses to Bayern at home and internationally against top-notch competition like Juve, Real, Chelsea, and City. These setbacks were often tied to Reus, which was often unfair. The mentality debate reached a boiling point, and Reus himself was shaken. "It's so frustrating," he snarled in 2019 after a 2:2 draw against Frankfurt. "With all your mentality nonsense." Fast-forward two years later, after the team had broken free from a slump, he reverted with his legendary statement: "Everyone is only human."

Reus as a person was respected by the supporters, as was the footballer. However, the adoration was not unwavering. Instead, Reus served as an honest reflection of the club - repeatedly reaching the summit but falling short. His significance to the club is immense: Reus has played 428 competitive matches for BVB, netting 170 goals and obtaining 131 assists. Staggering statistics. This places him fourth on the list of record players and second among the top scorers. Only Adi Preißler precedes him.

Reus encountered seven coaches. Klopp, Tuchel, Bosz, Stöger, Favre, Terzić, Rose, and then Terzić again. They all supported him, he reciprocated the favor, and they all moved on - Reus remained stand-still. Despite multiple lucrative offers from top clubs worldwide. Loyalty is one of BVB's number 11's defining characteristics. The fans appreciated his unwavering connection to the club as well. "Identification and loyalty are synonymous with your name", "100% Dortmunder," and "Few words, many deeds - 100% of an entire decade" were just a selection of posters placed on the south stand to commemorate his departure.

His experience with the national team had a lot of low points compared to the high points. When he was part of the team, such as in 2018, things rarely went smoothly. He was considered promising when he joined national coach Joachim Löw's team in 2012, which was already filled with talented players. Together they reached the semi-finals of the 2012 European Championship, and Reus also made an appearance in the knockout matches. He missed out on the 2014 World Cup victory, a chance to be a major star, because of a syndesmosis ligament rupture he sustained in a practice match against Armenia before the tournament. He also missed the 2016 European Championship (due to pubalgia) and the 2017 Confederations Cup victory (due to a cruciate ligament rupture) because of injuries. Reus's last game was in 2021 against Liechtenstein. Reus and the DFB team - it wasn't meant to be.

Injuries have been a significant theme in his career. Reus has missed 213 games since the 2012/13 season due to injury and illness. His career has many "what if" moments.

There were flowers for Marco Reus before kick-off.

The story is now coming full circle at Wembley. In his first season with BVB, Reus reached the Champions League final at Wembley after an incredible semi-final against Málaga. BVB narrowly lost to Arjen Robben's Bayern. A sting that remains with him. In his final game for BVB, Reus returns to this iconic place, where he can potentially have a happy ending. He may even get to retire with a champion's pot.

The biggest punchline of his career?

Even though his career is not over yet. He loves soccer too much to give up, according to Reus. His future is still uncertain. He may leave NRW for the first time in his professional life and try the USA. Romain Bürki wants to bring him to St. Louis. The MLS is also an option. There are also hopes that he may return to BVB after his career is over. "We very much hope that he will return to BVB after his professional career, because there are many exciting opportunities waiting for him in Dortmund," promised managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke.

But before that, the biggest possible moment awaits. Wembley. Not the rematch against Bayern, but Real Madrid. Not much more could be asked for. Not much more cheese factor either. After the semifinal victory over PSG, Reus celebrated in the middle of the away crowd, singing songs. He felt at home immediately. It seemed like a match made in heaven.

"We need to get this too - otherwise it would be a shame," said Reus after the semi-finals about the final match for the trophy. Maximum success in the last BVB game? It would be the biggest punchline of his career. The completion of the "unfinished".