Stuttgart - Dortmund: A bitter rivalry

The history of the rivalry

The rivalry between Stuttgart and Dortmund is one of the most bitter in German football. The two clubs are located just over 100 kilometers apart in the state of Baden-Württemberg, and their fans have a long history of animosity towards each other. The rivalry dates back to the early days of the Bundesliga, when both clubs were among the founding members of the league. In the early years, Stuttgart was the more successful club, winning the Bundesliga title in 1950 and 1952. However, Dortmund soon began to close the gap, and in the 1960s, they became one of the most dominant teams in German football.

The key moments of the rivalry

There have been many key moments in the rivalry between Stuttgart and Dortmund. One of the most famous matches between the two clubs was the 1972 Bundesliga title decider. Stuttgart needed to win the match to win the title, but Dortmund won 2-1, securing the title for themselves. Another key moment in the rivalry was the 2011 DFB-Pokal final. Stuttgart was the underdog going into the match, but they managed to beat Dortmund 5-2. This was Stuttgart's first major trophy for over a decade, and it was a major upset.

The current state of the rivalry

The rivalry between Stuttgart and Dortmund remains one of the most bitter in German football. The two clubs are still located close to each other, and their fans continue to have a lot of animosity towards each other. However, the rivalry has also become more respectful in recent years. Both clubs now recognize each other's achievements, and they have a shared goal of winning the Bundesliga title.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Stuttgart and Dortmund is one of the most iconic in German football. The two clubs have a long history of animosity towards each other, but they have also developed a grudging respect for each other. The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come, and it is one of the most fascinating stories in German football.