by Alex Arnold ’27
On the last Saturday of January, we made the trek out into the bitter cold and down to the Weser Stadion to watch Werder Bremen’s men’s team play against #12 in the league, Mönchengladbach. We were fortunate enough to receive two tickets to Saturday’s game free-of-charge through one of program director, Dr. Ludwig’s, contacts.
Having been to the Stadion only once before (back in October, shortly after arriving in Bremen), it was such a treat to step foot into the energetic and unique atmosphere again. As we navigated to our seats, in a section close to the west curve, the question lingered whether the cold weather would deter fans from showing up in masses to fill the 42,100 seats of the stadium. But, as game time neared, it became clear that the icy winds on the banks of the Weser river were no match for the burning passion of the Werder supporters, who continued to trickle in, filling almost every last seat. The Mönchengladbach fans, however, are also not to be underestimated. At times, their cheering and chanting drowned out that even of Werder’s own fan section, located in the infamous “Ostkurve”.
While the game did not result in a win for Werder, it also wasn’t a loss! A last-minute goal (literally) in the 94th minute from Werder player, Keke Topp, left the game in a 1:1 tie. With choruses of “wir sind Werder Bremen” echoing in my head, I left already looking forward to the next time I could make it to the stadium.