MSV Duisburg vs. Rot-Weiss Essen: 28,000 fans turned out to watch the 3. Liga derby. A sold-out stadium, complete with a spine-tingling atmosphere.

Bernard Dietz (77), Otto Rehhagel (87), and Friedhelm Funkel (71) have seen so much in soccer: European Championship titles, Bundesliga championships, cup victories, European Cup matches, promotions, and relegations—but the 3. Liga derby between MSV Duisburg and Rot-Weiss Essen impressed even these three German soccer icons.

And that was even before the game. “This rivalry spans generations. I played here with Hertha BSC back in 1963. The atmosphere was always great,” said “King Otto” on “MagentaSport.” As a reminder: Rehhagel is from Essen-Altenessen and once played for Rot-Weiss Essen.

“When I came to Duisburg in 1972, we were still playing in the 1st League. Until 1982, we always beat Bayern. Duisburg was always a tough place to play,” said MSV legend “Ennatz Dietz.”

Michael Preetz, who is something of the architect behind MSV’s current success, was also thrilled by the atmosphere leading up to the match. The 58-year-old Duisburg CEO and former Bundesliga forward told “Magenta Sport” ahead of the heated derby against Rot-Weiss Essen: “This is fun. We have a sold-out stadium. It’s the game of all games in the 3. Liga. A local derby that everyone’s looking forward to.”

Friedhelm Funkel was also at the Wedau and fondly recalled his time as MSV coach. The Krefeld native still roots for the Zebras—and he’s particularly taken with the MSV fans: “This is unbelievable! MSV Duisburg can be proud of this. They’re ready for the Bundesliga. I get goosebumps when I hear that, because I have a history with MSV, too. It’s just great what Michael Preetz and Dietmar Hirsch have built here. This whole match against Essen, this atmosphere, and the packed stadium—that’s the reward for it. I hope Duisburg stays up there for a long time. And that they win the derby against Rot-Weiss Essen, too.”