The heartfelt goodbye - Borussia Dortmund caught in Reus fever
In the 38th minute, Reus experiences a magical moment as he's fouled by Darmstadt's Zimmermann. He prepares to take the free-kick himself, shooting at a range of 17 meters. Sensitively lifting the ball over the wall, he scores in the corner, marking his eighth free-kick goal and his 170th goal for BVB. His teammates celebrate with him at the corner flag.
This day was filled with many goosebump moments throughout this touching Saturday event.
Reus arrives at the stadium at 10am, excited for the photo opportunity in front of the large graffiti of himself that now decorates the stairway to blocks 12 and 13, the South Stand's heart.
The team's warm-up sees Reus being the first to step onto the field and celebrating with La Olas in front of the South Stand. Before the match even begins, Reus' eyes are filled with tears.
As BVB fans take to the pitch, they present a massive choreography, displaying a giant black and yellow jersey with Reus' number 11 and various signs: 100% Dortmunder, The Captain, Legend, THANK YOU MARCO.
Further emotions surround Reus when his daughter Emily (4) runs onto the pitch to meet him, along with gifts from BVB management: a portrait, a limited edition Rolex watch, and assists from managing director Hanz-Joachim Watzke and sport manager Lars Ricken. Marius Wolf and Mateu Morey also say goodbye before the game.
Darmstadt, relegated, barely participates in BVB's festivities. Maatsen scores the first goal for Dortmund with Reus' assist (30). Brandt (72) and Malen (88) score the other two goals.
During Reus' final touch of the ball, he sets up Can in the penalty area in front of the South Stand. Reus then bids farewell to the big Bundesliga stage, leaving the crowd on their feet as he's substituted (81st). The BVB team lines up on a guard of honor. Coach Edin Terzic embraces Reus warmly.
After the match, Reus returns to the South Stand, where he receives a black and yellow scarf along with a beer.
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Source: symclub.org
