Roman Weidenfeller looks back on one of the most turbulent and emotional periods in Borussia Dortmund’s history. Spring 2013 was marked by magical Champions League moments and a transfer that shook the football world.
In the Champions League quarter-final against Málaga CF, BVB experienced one of its greatest comebacks. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Dortmund turned the return leg around in the last second with a 3-2 victory, thanks to Felipe Santana’s goal. «It was a magical atmosphere, absolutely incredible,» Weidenfeller recalls. The subsequent celebration was legendary: «We had no time to go home and change.» So, they headed straight out in their sports gear. «We went into the club in our BVB kit,» Weidenfeller remembers, despite having sworn never to do such a thing. But after a miracle like that in Málaga, one could break their principles and celebrate in full uniform. The team, friends, family, and selected ultras celebrated until the early morning hours: «We tore the place apart until morning.»
However, just a few days later, the shock followed. On the evening of April 23, it was announced that Mario Götze would transfer to arch-rival FC Bayern Munich for over 37 million Euros, utilizing a release clause. The club immediately confirmed the transfer, and CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke expressed profound disappointment.
The news hit the team in the middle of their preparations for the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. «We couldn’t quite grasp it,» Weidenfeller states. «Mario couldn’t really look us in the eye at that moment either.»
«The Plug Was Pulled»: Weidenfeller’s Memories of Götze’s Departure
Nevertheless, BVB delivered an impressive performance on the field: Dortmund sensationally won the first leg against Real Madrid 4-1, though they lost the second leg 0-2 – securing their place in the final. For Weidenfeller, however, the timing of the announcement had serious consequences: «It was certainly like having the plug pulled.» Götze, who shone in the first leg, subsequently suffered an injury and missed the final, where Dortmund lost 1-2 to Bayern.
Looking back, Weidenfeller is convinced: «I’d argue that if Mario had stayed with us for the entire season, we might not have lost the final.» He also sees long-term implications: «If we had continued to play with Mario, I believe we would have annoyed Bayern for a few more years.» Agent Volker Struth later confirmed the sensitivity of the situation and spoke of a «shitty feeling» about Mario’s transfer.