MSV Duisburg vs. Rot-Weiss Essen: 28,000 spectators wanted to watch the derby in the third division. A sold-out stadium, including a thrilling atmosphere.

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

And that was even before the game. “It’s been going on for generations. I played here with Hertha BSC back in 1963. The atmosphere was always great,” said “King Otto” on “MagentaSport.” As a reminder, Rehhagel comes from Essen-Altenessen and once played for Rot-Weiss Essen.

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

Michael Preetz, something of an architect of MSV’s current success, was also enthusiastic about the atmosphere before the game. The 58-year-old managing director of Duisburg and former Bundesliga striker told “Magenta Sport” before the heated derby against Rot-Weiss Essen: “It’s fun. We have a sold-out stadium. It’s the game of games in the 3rd division. A local derby that everyone is looking forward to.“ Friedhelm Funkel was also at the Wedau and fondly remembered his time as MSV coach. The Krefeld native still cheers on the Zebras – he is particularly fond of the MSV fans: ”It’s incredible! MSV Duisburg can be proud of that. It’s ready for the Bundesliga. I get goosebumps when I hear that because I also have a history with MSV. It’s just great what Michael Preetz and Dietmar Hirsch have built here. The whole thing here against Essen, this atmosphere and the full stadium, that’s the reward for it. I hope that Duisburg will be up there for a long time. And also win the derby against Rot-Weiss Essen.”