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Schalke’s Four-Minute Title Heartbreak, 25 Years On

WDR retrospectives revisit the emotions of Schalke’s 2001 near‑title.

Overview

  • WDR and Sportschau mark the 25th anniversary with new interviews from players, fans, and reporters.
  • After a 5–3 win over Unterhaching, the Parkstadion erupted when reports said Hamburg led Bayern.
  • Broadcast delays and hard-to-hear radio updates led many in the stadium to think the other match had ended.
  • A late indirect free kick in Hamburg produced a goal that erased Schalke’s brief claim to the title.
  • Olaf Thon and Huub Stevens recall shock and pride, and the “Meister der Herzen” group still trades memories.