Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac lavished praise on Signal Iduna Park's 'electric' atmosphere after their final home game of the Bundesliga on Friday.
The Black and Yellows prevailed 3-2 over Eintracht Frankfurt to give their fans something to celebrate on their last game at the Westfalonstadion for the 2025-26 season.
It started off on a rather shaky note with Dortmund caught napping as Frankfurt went in front after only 78 seconds into the kick-off.
Kovac's side regained their composure and struck thrice before the Eagles reduced the deficit late on to spice up the closing stages.
What also played an important role in Dortmund's comeback was their passionate, thronging fans who once again filled up the fabled stadium and backed their players.
Kovac was in awe of the atmosphere and commended them after the match:
"“I have experienced this stadium all too often as a player and also as an opposing manager. It’s pure energy, it’s electrifying, it's powerful!” "said the Dortmund manager
Dortmund have gained a reputation for having some of the most passionate fans in Europe, filling up the Signal Iduna Park for every game and stirring up a bacchanalic atmosphere that fires up the team while intimidating the visiting team.
Farewell for departing players
The last home game of the season was also the last time that Julian Brandt, Niklas Sule and Salih Ozcan played at the Signal Iduna Park as all three are set to leave the club this summer.
All three players were honored before the match while honoring each of them for their dedication and service to Dortmund, while departing sporting director Sebastian Kehl was given a nice send-off too.
Kovac said that they won't forget the farewell given to them:
"“They certainly won’t forget that, and they’ll always carry it in their hearts. And I'd like to congratulate the lads for that because they’ve really done a good job here.”"added the Croatian manager
Brandt leaves after seven years at Dortmund as both parties came to terms not to extend his contract beyond this summer, while Sule and Ozcan also see their contracts end.
But while Brandt leaves as a club legend of sorts after over 300 appearances under his belt, Sule failed to live up to his potential after joining from Bayern, spending a significant chunk of his time injured or on the bench.
Ozcan was also sidelined several times this season with an injury.
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