Rot-Weiss Essen won the 17th NRW-Traditonsmasters in the final against Schalke. Voices and moods from the tournament in Mülheim.

Rot-Weiss Essen won the NRW Traditionsmasters on Sunday with a victory in the final against FC Schalke 04. At the 17th edition of the popular tournament in Mülheim’s Westenergie-Halle, RWE beat the Royal Blues 3:1 and took revenge for the defeat in the final of the previous edition.

A brace from Thomas Denker and a goal from Marwin Studtrucker gave a relatively young team from Essen the title. “We lost the last final against Schalke and didn’t want to let that be taken away from us again. I’m particularly pleased for the numerous spectators who supported us,” said former RWE goalkeeper Frank Kurth, who acted as team manager.

In the semi-final, the traditional team of the third division club had prevailed against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen (3:0). Schalke advanced to the final thanks to a 5:0 victory over VfL Bochum. Bochum, coached by Michael “Ata” Lameck, defeated Rot-Weiß Oberhausen in a penalty shoot-out for third place.

MSV Duisburg were eliminated after the group stage alongside tournament debutants Wuppertaler SV, SG Wattenscheid 09 and Mülheim All-Stars. Club icon Bernard Dietz nevertheless watched the afternoon in good spirits – and encouraged the Zebras’ professionals in their fight against relegation from the 3rd division. “I think that MSV will still save itself. “

The fact that the tournament was sold out again shows how important it is to people in the region

Olaf Thon

The focus was not only on the fight for the trophy, but also on “meeting old companions and exchanging ideas”, as Schalke legend Olaf Thon emphasized. Discussions and celebrations took place between the fan camps in the stands, which were packed with 2,500 spectators – in a peaceful setting. “The fact that the tournament was sold out again shows how important it is for the people in the region,” said Thon.

The 1990 world champion was able to get over the fact that his Royal Blues missed out on defending their title. “We improved over the course of the tournament and also had our chances in the final. Rot-Weiss Essen are the deserved winners,” said Thon. With Erwin Koen and Marwin Studtrucker, Essen picked up the awards for best player and top scorer. Schalke’s Oliver Reck, two-time cup winner with S04, was honored as best goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, tournament organizer Olaf Dressel drew a positive conclusion in the evening. “The 17th NRW Traditionsmasters was a complete success. The atmosphere in the sold-out hall was sensational,” said the former VfL Bochum professional