Chapter Eleven: Alm Stadium (Revised)

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P.S. Here’s today’s update. By the way, a quick plug for the 'Qidian' 515 Fans Festival—everyone gets eight votes, and voting earns you Qidian coins. I’m humbly begging for your support and appreciation!

In the thirty-first round of the Bundesliga Second Division, even though the 1:2 home defeat against Frankfurt wouldn’t threaten Peter Neureuler’s position as head coach, his decisions regarding the use of strikers have come under scrutiny. The forward Karl, promoted from the youth team, gave a performance in the previous match that left everyone uneasy. Two games ending in a draw and a loss have to some extent exposed Peter Neureuler’s authoritarian approach to choosing strikers. Why does Mo Mo, who consistently creates threats and scores goals, remain on the bench?

If there were no conflict between Peter Neureuler and Mo Mo, perhaps he would have chosen Mo Mo as a starter. In this situation, at most, Mo Mo would be a substitute. As for being in the starting lineup? That’s out of the question.

Mo Mo paid no heed to the commotion outside. His daily routine was regular: cafeteria, dormitory, training ground. Although he still hadn’t had the chance to play training matches with his teammates, he did not let himself slip into despair. Everything that doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. He only wanted to play football; his life was too short to waste. He needed to constantly strengthen and enrich himself for more opportunities to play; he wanted nothing but pure football.

Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was April 22, 2002. Mo Mo sat on the team bus, following the squad to the Alm Stadium in Bielefeld.

Bielefeld is also one of those teams that frequently appears in the Bundesliga, though they’ve also spent time in the third division. But it’s undeniable that when they’re fired up, they possess a force that demands respect.

Mohrmann is Bielefeld’s coach, a man who, as a player, represented Bremen and finished Bundesliga runner-up three times in 1983, 1985, and 1986, scoring 35 goals in 255 Bundesliga matches.

He began his coaching career in Hamburg in 1988, managed Hamburg’s Bundesliga team from 1992 to 1995, and then coached Fürth, Braunschweig, and other teams. On October 23, 2000, he became Bielefeld’s head coach.

No one doubted he could lead Bielefeld back to the Bundesliga, and indeed, Bielefeld’s performance had been outstanding since. This time, under Mohrmann’s guidance, Bielefeld was brimming with ambition and determined to seize victory over Hannover 96 at home. Only by winning this match could Mohrmann’s Bielefeld overtake second-placed Mainz and have a shot at the championship.

As they stepped into the Alm Stadium, the entire arena was filled with rousing songs. They sang and laughed, as if victory was already theirs. Indeed, ever since Mohrmann took charge, Bielefeld’s momentum had grown day by day.

That day had come once again.

We prepare for every match.

That’s why we’re all here.

Win or lose.

No matter what happens.

We always think you’re the best.

Now’s the time to start fighting.

It’s time to walk the road we must take.

Don’t give up—show us the future.

You already have the world’s best fans.

Our hearts beat only for you, Bielefeld.

Together, we’ve achieved so much.

None of these achievements came easily.

With your strength, soon we’ll reach the summit together.

Now’s the time to begin. The time to walk our road.

Don’t give up—show us the future.

You already have the world’s best fans.

Our hearts beat only for you, Bielefeld.

We are the world’s best fans.

Our hearts beat only for you, Bielefeld.

We are the world’s best fans.

Our hearts beat only for you, Bielefeld.

The rough, resounding voices echoed through the entire Alm Stadium. Bielefeld’s players looked invigorated and eager. Whenever a Bielefeld player appeared, they were met with thunderous support.

As for us, we received only indifferent stares. Just as they sang, they are the world’s best fans—standing by the team through victory and defeat, whether in the Bundesliga, the second, or even the third division. They have never abandoned Bielefeld.

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Blue-and-white shirts, black shorts, white socks. Bielefeld’s players were ready. Red shirts, black shorts, white socks. Hannover 96’s players stood unflinching, even Karl managing a serious demeanor.

Bielefeld’s goalkeeper, Elhoff, stood at an imposing six-foot-three and wore the number 22. As he took the field, the entire Alm Stadium erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Their defensive commander, the Dutchman van der Ven, number 3, who scored a brilliant header at the AWD Arena in Hannover in the previous match, was greeted with a chorus of cheers as he emerged.

Next came midfielder Borges, the hero who scored at the AWD Arena, his number 44 standing out conspicuously, also receiving a warm welcome.

Then number 5, midfielder Kauf, and number 23, forward Wiesik, both crucial contributors this season, were also enthusiastically received.

And of course, the team’s top scorer, number 10, Wiesniarak, who had scored twice at Hannover’s home ground in the last match. When he appeared, it was as if the Alm Stadium was about to be lifted off its foundations.

Defender Link, number 6, defender Sulaw, number 2, and Czech winger Jan Simak, number 17—all veterans of the previous match at Hannover—had eyes burning with anger, while number 10, Freddy Bobic, appeared indifferent, and number 30, Karl, looked uneasy and anxious. Indeed, Bielefeld’s home atmosphere was fearsome, as if anyone daring to win here would be torn apart by the crowd.

Both sides lined up in the 4-4-2 formation, but Bielefeld chose to strengthen their attack and strictly followed coach Mohrmann’s tactics, whereas Hannover 96 aimed to control the tempo, with players managing themselves with a certain laxity.

Some wanted to charge forward, like number 17, Czech winger Jan Simak; some wanted to control the pace, like number 10, Freddy Bobic; and some simply feared physical confrontation.

“Now on the ball is Bielefeld’s top scorer, number 10 Wiesniarak, who scored twice in the previous match at Hannover 96’s home ground. Can he maintain his form and lead his team to victory again? Hello everyone, I’m commentator Chen Nu, bringing you live coverage of the Bundesliga 2 clash between Bielefeld and Hannover 96.”

Normally, there’s no commentary for second division matches, and sometimes you can’t even find a broadcast. The absence of commentary means that even if people stumble across a match, they’re likely to stop watching, no matter how intense the action is. And if there’s no broadcast, well, that’s a matter of rights. In fact, it wasn’t until Mo Mo’s rebirth that CCTV secured rights to broadcast the Premier League.

Now, because Mo Mo—once scouted by La Liga giants Real Madrid (a thought that would make him blush)—was attracting vast attention as a Chinese player, the pursuit of profit had led to today’s commentator, Chen Nu.

“It’s a pity that our country’s young talent, the striker Mo Mo—once affiliated with Real Madrid—hasn’t started this match, instead sitting on the bench. But we believe he’ll get his chance and seize it.”

Chen Nu’s tone was tinged with regret. If Mo Mo didn’t play and score, there would be no audience interest and no commercial value—and his commentary job would be at risk. So, deep down, Chen Nu fervently hoped Mo Mo would get on the pitch.

Just then, the situation on the field shifted dramatically. Barely three minutes in, Bielefeld’s top scorer, number 10 Wiesniarak, suddenly accelerated, slicing through the midfield as if Hannover’s two midfielders were mere phantoms, like a sharp blade driving into Hannover’s core. Instantly, number 44 Borges, number 5 Kauf, and number 23 Wiesik surged forward from all directions, catching Hannover 96, not yet settled into the match, completely off guard.

“Bielefeld’s fast break! Like a German blitzkrieg in the Second World War, catching Hannover 96 unprepared, flowing like water through their formation. In an instant, it’s four-on-four at the back for Hannover 96.”

Chen Nu’s voice was filled with excitement, though he could only recognize a few players from his research.

“Beautiful! Number 10 Wiesniarak and number 23 Wiesik combine brilliantly, a classic wall pass. Poor number 6, Hannover defender Link—he’d better not lose his head and handle the ball out of anger again.”

Originally, number 6 Link and number 2 Sulaw were keeping a safe distance, not allowing easy breakthroughs, but Link’s pace was no match for Wiesniarak. As Wiesniarak neared Link’s tackle range, Link abruptly stopped, and in the space of a heartbeat, Wiesniarak managed to pass the ball to the nearby number 23 Wiesik.

“That was a reckless challenge—now number 3 defender Sulaw is in trouble.”

Number 3 Sulaw braced himself against Wiesik, the penalty area looming close behind. He had to make a decision. Eyes locked on the ball, glancing occasionally to check for other attackers, he knew he had to stay calm and not rush in—he was the last line of defense.

Sulaw’s experience served him well, always angling his back towards the goal. Yet sometimes experience is used against you. When number 23 Wiesik lifted his right foot, Sulaw instinctively thought a nutmeg was coming, so he closed his legs in a hurry and lowered his stance, only for Wiesik to blast a powerful shot instead.

“Hannover 96’s number 3 Sulaw is truly seasoned—he scored a header to equalize in the last match. Looks like he’ll help keep the goal safe again today.”

No sooner had Chen Nu finished than Sulaw snapped his legs shut, but Wiesik unleashed a fierce long-range shot, flying straight for Hannover 96’s goal. Sulaw’s move looked more like he was clearing a path for Wiesik.

“Number 23 Wiesik with a powerful drive! Will it go in? Will it? Yes! Oh—so close!”

Chen Nu’s commentary was almost combative, like a drunken bet, but it kept viewers listening. Wiesik’s shot was perfectly aimed at the goal. If there were no goalkeeper, it would have been a sure goal, but the world is never so simple.

“A brilliant save! Hannover 96’s goalkeeper comes up big! He punches the ball away, as if saying, ‘You want to score on me? Not a chance!’ If he plays like this all match, I’d bet Hannover’s goal stays untouched! Eh... wait!”

Chinese fans watching the game couldn’t help but cover their faces—Chen Nu was a master at jinxing. Just as the Hannover keeper had heroically blocked the shot, Bielefeld’s number 10 Wiesniarak came rushing in, with number 6 Link desperately chasing but unable to catch up.

With Link trailing behind, Wiesniarak angled his body and smashed a beautiful volley, shattering Chen Nu’s prediction and piercing the Hannover goal to open the scoring at the Alm Stadium—1:0 to Bielefeld.

Three minutes in—or perhaps five or six, but that hardly mattered. What mattered was that at Alm Stadium, their hero, number 10 Wiesniarak, had given them a dream start. The stadium erupted as if Hannover’s sentence had already been passed; the singing was deafening. Wiesniarak spread his arms, nodding as he strode toward the sideline.

Thunderous cheers, singing, and screaming washed over him as his reward. When he stopped, the whole stadium echoed with his name: Wiesniarak! Wiesniarak!

He turned, pumping his fist as if smashing something to pieces. Perhaps outsiders wouldn’t understand, but Bielefeld’s fans knew—Wiesniarak was there to smash Hannover’s dream, to shatter their hope of a title. He was their Wiesniarak, their top scorer.

That day had come once again.

We prepare for every match.

That’s why we’re all here.

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Win or lose.

No matter what happens.

We always think you’re the best.

Now’s the time to start fighting.

It’s time to walk the road we must take.

Don’t give up—show us the future.

You already have the world’s best fans.

Our hearts beat only for you, Bielefeld.

Together, we’ve achieved so much.

None of these achievements came easily.

With your strength, soon we’ll reach the summit together.

Now’s the time to begin. The time to walk our road.

Don’t give up—show us the future.

You already have the world’s best fans.

Our hearts beat only for you, Bielefeld.

We are the world’s best fans.

Our hearts beat only for you, Bielefeld.

We are the world’s best fans.

Our hearts beat only for you, Bielefeld.

The unified, bold, and rugged chants rang out—dedicated to Bielefeld, dedicated to Wiesniarak who opened the scoring.

“What the hell! It’s only been three minutes! There’s still a long way to go—why do we look like we’ve already lost?”

Mo Mo, taking in the scene, couldn’t help but mutter to himself. Peter Neureuler’s back stiffened at his words. He looked at the dejected Karl, the cold-faced Freddy Bobic, the furious number 6 Link, and the disheartened number 3 Sulaw, but none of them had the fearless hunger for victory burning in Mo Mo’s chest.

“Pull yourselves together! Pull yourselves together! We’re just starting! There’s still time! We’re Hannover 96! We can win!”

For once, Peter Neureuler didn’t curse; he actually sounded like a real head coach, rallying his players. Mo Mo, burning with desire to play, wished he could charge onto the pitch that very moment. Just then, another roar swept through the stands. Mo Mo glanced at the scoreboard in disbelief: 2:0.

Right after the restart, number 10 Freddy Bobic passed to number 30 Karl, then ran toward Bielefeld’s half. Under pressure from Bielefeld’s number 5 Kauf, Karl made a panicked pass, intercepted by number 44 Borges, who immediately launched a long ball towards Hannover’s half. Bielefeld’s number 10 Wiesniarak timed his run perfectly and beat the offside trap. Hannover’s goalkeeper realized the danger and rushed out, but the ball bounced out of his reach. Wiesniarak rounded the keeper and charged the ball straight into the net.

“This! This is unbelievable. Barely a minute or two after conceding the first goal, Hannover 96 have let in another! All because of a passing error from number 30 Karl, leading to a rapid counterattack. Still reeling from the first goal, Hannover 96 have been dealt another blow. Remember, in the previous match, they had a dream start—now it looks like their only hope is for Bielefeld to have a rash defender of their own!”

Chen Nu could hardly contain himself. There’s nothing more thrilling in football than a goal, and here in just eight minutes, league leaders Hannover 96 were down by two. It was beyond belief.

Peter Neureuler’s back now radiated an uncontrollable exhaustion. He turned to Mo Mo and said,

“Go warm up.”

Mo Mo froze, then nodded fiercely. As he was about to get up, another wave of cheers swept the stadium. Everyone stared at the pitch in disbelief, watching Hannover’s goalkeeper retrieve the ball from the net yet again. The score was now 3:0—home side first. The Second Division’s top team, Hannover 96, had conceded three goals in under ten minutes! What on earth was happening?

[The 515 event is almost here. I hope to keep climbing the 515 Red Envelope Ranking and give back to readers with a rain of red envelopes on May 15th, as well as promote the work. Every bit of support is love—I’ll keep updating with the best chapters!]