As we come to the close of the 2012-13 season Borussia Dortmund will sign off with an appearance in the European Champions League final, a second place Bundesliga finish and the largest average attendance in European football.
Founded in 1903 Dortmund have climbed their way to becoming one of the most well-known German clubs and a recognisable European force. Flirting with relegation from the top German division from the 1960s to the 19080s the yellows finally hit a golden stage in the 1990s.
Making ground in the Bundesliga throughout the 90s, under the new management of Ottmar Hitzfeld, Dortmund took two consecutive Bundesliga titles in 1996 and 1997 and consistent top four finishes.
The cherry on top for Hitzfeld’s seven-year span was in 1997 as his side made their first major impression on European football, lifting the Champions League trophy with a 3-1 victory of Juventus at the Olympiastadion in Munich.
Famous players such as local boy Lars Ricken starred in the rise to glory and now a new batch of German talents such as Mario Gotze, Sven Bender and Mats Hummels have helped reach equally dizzying heights.
But the ever present German super power of Bayern Munich have consistently attracted the biggest players in world football and even managers with the arrival of Pep Guardiola lingering. They have clinched back this year’s Bundesliga title with an impressive 25 point gap on their rivals and caused quite the stir amongst the Dortmund camp.
It was confirmed that Munich would prize away one of Dortmund’s finest assets in Mario Gotze and speculation still remains over top goal scorer Robert Lewandowski. Favourites to win the DFB Pokal Cup in the final against Stuttgart in June it has been an emphatic season for Munich, not to mention the destruction of Barcelona in their 7-0 aggregate semi-final Champions League victory.
But the tip of the top and cream of the crop is all about lifting the European trophy.
The stage is set at England’s Wembley Stadium this Saturday, an entertaining, fierce and close encounter with Dortmund out for revenge.
One added zest has been taken away however with Bayern bound Gotze ruled out of the fixture with an injury, nevertheless there is always enough flavour in the German rivalry on English turf.
This year Dortmund have cemented their place back on the European radar as one of the greatest. Constantly impressive displays with an attacking attractive flair and a sold back four has been a blessing on the eye and a frightening preview of the Germany team that can be assembled for the 2014 World Cup.
Dortmund have been honoured with the highest average attendance in European football this season, the Westfalenstadion filling its 80,700 capacity to the brim nearly every game.
Pipping huge clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and of course Bayern Muinch to having the largest home crowds, Jurgen Klopp’s side have made a real impact on European football this season.
Gotze may be on his way and master tactician Klopp is a wanted man, but for Dortmund it is another stage in their incredible development emphasising the strength, character and organization of a brilliant club.
Whether they win on Saturday or not, this year’s Champions League exploits is just a glimpse of their potential and promise.
By Liam Curtis
BVB 09 By Timo Fach
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