Dortmund fan reporter Anastasia Gradl took a friend to Westfalenstadion on Wednesday night – and he just so happened to be a Chelsea supporter

Floodlights in Dortmund. Champions League night. An English opponent. All things that make me feel like it’s going to be a great evening. Only a victory is needed for perfection now, here in the stadium that always feels like home to me. All the people with black-and-yellow hearts waiting in suspense, ready to support our team and show the blue guests our power.  

You could say the whole journey started a few months ago, a long time before the draw for the round of 16 even happened. Back then I talked to a friend who is a Chelsea supporter, and we agreed that I’d try to get tickets for the match in Dortmund if they ever got to play each other in the Champions League. When we heard that they would actually meet on the field for the first time ever in a competitive game, I didn’t hesitate.

Walking down the street to the stadium, I already thought that we were going to win the match that night. I kind of just felt it – and everyone else seemed to feel the same thing. Everyone was happy, especially seeing the big tifo that the ultras pulled off before the match started. It showed the affection and loyalty of the supporters towards Borussia Dortmund.

The atmosphere was burning. Even my friend, the Chelsea fan, was impressed by the volume that the Dortmund supporters created. Whenever the small block of away fans raised their voices, they were shut down by the immense loudness within seconds.

The match itself was a pleasure to watch. I don’t think my heart rate was normal at any point during these 90 minutes. When Karim Adeyemi got the ball and just didn’t stop running until he scored that amazing goal, I couldn’t believe it. It was fantastic. Needless to say, we were all celebrating. Did I say all? Well, not that friend of mine. Still, that win tasted as sweet as sugar.

Unfortunately, after the match my friend wasn’t down with staying a little longer to see the Dortmund team saying thank you to the fans and celebrating with them. Maybe he was a bit disappointed after all. In the end I couldn’t persuade him to convert to our more enjoyable colours. But I’m sure he recognised what football culture means out here.