Power plants in the curves – Sport

The nice thing about the new European Cup season: standing room is allowed again, initially as a pilot project. However, it is not to be expected that they will significantly increase the chances of a German Champions League winner.

For the Champions League game against FC Copenhagen early Tuesday evening, Borussia Dortmund’s digital sales outlet still had a few tickets on offer at the beginning of the week. In block 13, for example, seats number seven and five were available in row 37, and there was also room for group bookings in the neighboring block. That in itself wouldn’t be worth mentioning, even in Dortmund the stadium isn’t always sold out on weekdays. But this time it’s something special because the tickets only cost 18.50 euros – and above all because they promise standing room. Because that’s new in this European Cup season: With the admission of standing room, BVB gets its so-called yellow wall back and with it, as one can solemnly say, a piece of its identity.

Six years after the introduction of the Champions League in 1992, Uefa had banned standing room for safety reasons, and in the summer they decided to reintroduce the coveted cheap seats. In Germany, France and England, spectators can now actively stand in the stadium again instead of being forced to sit (the Italian and Spanish clubs had to cancel participation in the pilot project due to lack of capacity).

Initially, this is done as part of an “observation program”. Independent experts should assess the situation and the consequences. The field test is limited to one year, but if the behavioral researchers commissioned by Uefa deliver positive test reports, nothing should stand in the way of permanent permission. Fan associations are cautiously enthusiastic and praise the association for opening up.

For the German participants in the big European Cup, the restoration of the power plants in the curves is certainly a small advantage. You win back the usual home game atmosphere. Nevertheless, the prospects of a German Champions League winner not increasing significantly. The inspiring energy from the swinging fan blocks is one thing, the superior class of the squads from Real Madrid, Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain is another. Numerically, the Bundesliga is better represented than any other league thanks to the Europa League winner Eintracht Frankfurt, who was promoted to the first class. But as usual, only FC Bayern is a serious contender for the title.

In terms of sport, the audience can expect the usual script for the next season. The elite will be among themselves again from the quarter-finals in spring, exceptions of the caliber of Villarreal confirm the rule. The Champions League will then again be the arena where the cartel of big clubs from England, Spain, Germany, Italy and Paris meet for decisive duels. One may lament and condemn that. But even this is pretty certain: the games will be fascinating again and the Champions League will be the greatest temptation in football.