Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen: Key talking points

A Day of Farewells: Piszczek and the Bender brothers

And now, we finally get to the sad part. As we’ve already touched upon,  Lukasz Piszczek played his last game in Black and Yellow this weekend. It is with a heavy heart that we, and especially myself, say goodbye to a player that has left his heart and soul out on the field for this club. After 11 long years with the club, Piszczek leaves as a decorated legend, having played a critical role in the sides that brought home back to back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as three of Dortmund’s most recent DFB Pokal victories.

This season in particular, he has displayed a level of maturity and form that only comes from a wealth of experience. His 11 Bundesliga appearances saw him and Dortmund go unbeaten in those games, a fitting reminder of just how crucial he has been in the back line during his time with the club. Immortalised in the hearts of those who support the club, his contributions will never be forgotten, and it will be almost impossible for Dortmund to find a replacement to walk in his colossal footsteps. The club won’t be the same without you, Piszczu!

Alongside farewells for Piszczek and the aforementioned Manuel Gräfe, the Bundesliga said goodbye to Sven and Lars Bender. The former of the two, Sven, affectionately referred to by the Dortmund faithful as “Manni”, also spent a good chunk of his career with the Black and Yellows, plying his trade in midfield and defense alongside Piszczek in those storied sides that lifted two Bundesliga titles and two DFB Pokals in the process. It is only fair that we wish him and his brother Lars a fond farewell for their contributions to the league. The Bundesliga will feel very different without them next season.