Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski enjoy memorable Borussia Dortmund farewells
By Tushar Bahl
It was a day to remember at the Westfalenstadion as Borussia Dortmund celebrated the careers of Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski, with the likes of Jürgen Klopp and Mats Hummels also in attendance.
Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski were given their Borussia Dortmund farewells in front of 81,000+ fans at the Westfalenstadion on Saturday afternoon. The careers of two of the greatest Polish footballers of all time were celebrated, with several BVB legends taking part in a memorable testimonial match.
"Thank you, Borussia, for everything" - Jakub Blaszczykowski on emotional BVB farewell
In the game, Blaszczykowski's team triumphed 5-4 over Piszczek's side. Coached by the returning Jürgen Klopp, "Team Kuba" took the early lead through former Poland international Kamil Grosicki. Current Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin then scored the equaliser for "Team Piszczu" a few minutes later with a lovely chip past the goalkeeper.
Mladen Petric restored the lead for Team Kuba just before half-time, and Grosicki then made it 3-1 soon after the start of the second-half. Felipe Santana pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, before Artur Wichniarek brought Team Piszczu back on level terms.
A quick-fire brace from Lucas Barrios restored Team Kuba's two-goal lead, before Julian Brandt scored late on to make it 5-4.
It was an entertaining affair on the pitch as Borussia Dortmund fans got to witness some of their favourite players of yesteryear in action once again.
Lukasz Piszczek, who is now the assistant coach at Borussia Dortmund said after the game, "We would like to thank you all for coming. We gave everything for you on the pitch today - we've given everything on the pitch for the club for many years. Once again: Thank you very much! I have always represented the club with great pride and will continue to do so. Borussia Dortmund forever!"
Jakub Blaszczykowski, who was visibly emotional after the game, said, "It was a great honour for us, I enjoyed every game here. The whole club, the staff, the players and coaches - I would like to say thank you. We spent many years together. Many thanks to all the fans, we have experienced wonderful moments, we have also had difficult moments. Thank you, Borussia, for everything!"