On April 25, 2025, MSV Duisburg celebrated a triumphant return to professional football, defeating Borussia Mönchengladbach II 1-0 in front of a record crowd of 20,893 spectators at the Borussia-Park. The victory not only secured their promotion to the 3. Liga but also marked a significant milestone in the club's storied history, as 16,096 passionate fans made the journey to support their team, setting a new record for the largest away crowd in the history of the Regionalliga.
The match, which began 15 minutes later than scheduled due to the overwhelming turnout, saw Tobias Fleckstein score the decisive goal in the 6th minute, heading in a well-placed free kick from Jakob Bookjans. The early strike sent the traveling supporters into a frenzy, chanting, "Never again, fourth league!" and "Stand up if you’re a zebra!" as they celebrated their team's promising start.
Despite dominating the first half and creating several opportunities to extend their lead, including a missed chance by Patrick Sussek in the 53rd minute, Duisburg managed to hold onto their slim advantage against a struggling Gladbach side. The hosts attempted to rally in the second half but were unable to break through Duisburg's defense, ensuring that the Zebras would leave the pitch victorious.
MSV Duisburg's promotion had been effectively secured earlier in the week after KFC Uerdingen withdrew from the league, leaving the path clear for Duisburg to reclaim their place in the third tier of German football. Coach Dietmar Hirsch expressed his relief and pride following the match, stating, "I don’t even know how many hats I have to take off to my team. Everyone expected us to cruise through, but no team has ever been relegated and then promoted back directly. We did it!"
Hirsch's sentiments were echoed by Borussia Mönchengladbach's coach, Eugen Polanski, who acknowledged Duisburg's strong performance throughout the season. "The Duisburgs will rightfully be promoted at the end of the season. They play dominantly, defend very well, and consequently concede very few goals," Polanski noted. The match showcased Duisburg's resilience and tactical strength, hallmarks of their campaign.
Historically, MSV Duisburg has been a significant player in German football, being one of the founding members of the Bundesliga in 1963. They finished as runners-up in their inaugural season and have since played 28 seasons in the top flight, last appearing in the Bundesliga during the 2007/08 season. Their recent journey has seen them relegated from both the second league in 2019 and the third league in 2024, making this promotion all the more significant for the club and its supporters.
The club's managing director, Michael Preetz, emphasized the importance of fan support throughout the season, stating, "This support carries the team through the whole season." He also acknowledged the financial challenges facing the club, noting that they had secured their third league license under conditions, with proof of economic viability required by early June.
As the dust settles on this remarkable achievement, the focus now shifts to the future. Duisburg's fans are hopeful that the momentum gained from this season will carry them forward as they prepare for the challenges of the 3. Liga. The team has demonstrated that they are not only capable of competing at this level but are also eager to re-establish themselves as a force in German football.
With an average of 16,300 fans attending home games in the fourth league and around 4,000 supporters traveling to away matches, the commitment of the Duisburg faithful has been unwavering. Their enthusiasm and loyalty have been instrumental in the club's success this season, and they will undoubtedly play a crucial role as the team embarks on its next chapter in the 3. Liga.
As the celebrations continue, MSV Duisburg can look forward to a promising future filled with potential. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the club's rich history and passionate fanbase provide a solid foundation for success. With the lessons learned from their recent struggles and the determination to rise again, Duisburg is ready to take on the next challenge in their storied football journey.
