Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 47

──Sunday, October 29, 2028

Bundesliga Round 8

*Mainz vs Augsburg (away)

Last season’s results

vs Mainz: 2 wins, 0 losses.

The tunnel where players wait to enter before kickoff.

Ren stared at the pitch in silence.

Change doesn’t happen all at once.

But if you continue doing something,

There is a moment when the atmosphere changes just a little bit.

(I believe that today)

Early on, Augsburg struggled to control possession of the ball.

The pressure in the midfield was strong, disrupting the tempo of the passes.

But Ren didn’t panic.

Keep the ball as if you were breathing.

He exchanged passes with Kemar and pushed forward little by little.

20 minutes–

Himmel makes a move from the right side and passes to the center.

Ren returns it with one touch, and it goes back to Himmel.

Return, vertical–breaking.

Although it didn’t result in a goal,

A sense of expectation returned to the stadium.

half an hour.

We conceded a goal from a counterattack.

They were caught off guard by a momentary lapse in coordination.

0-1.

However, the team’s complexion was different than before.

“We can still do it!”

When Ren spoke up, several players nodded.

Second half.

59th minute – Ren is brought down in front of the penalty area, resulting in a free kick.

He passes the ball to Kemmer and runs into the penalty arc himself.

Kemar’s kick goes to the far side.

Himmel turns it over with his head–

Ren then followed up and shook the net with his right foot.

1-1. A blow that brings the game back to square one.

After that, while fending off the opponent’s fierce attack,

Ren maintained his balance in the center of the pitch until the end of the game.

My body felt heavy.

But his consciousness was clear.

“Speak up. Raise the line. Stay calm and keep going.”

Ren’s words have now reached him–

Indeed, the pitch’s “reaction” was different.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

There was some regret that we couldn’t win.

But more than that, he felt like he had made progress.

Locker room.

Although it was quiet, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air.

Himmel calls out to Ren.

“I think I’m starting to understand that shape now.”

“Next time, let’s make it a win.”

Ren only spoke briefly.

But there was a definite response in those words.

——-

*1.FSV Mainz 05

Mainz is known as a cheerful, down-to-earth mid-sized club, full of local pride, humour, and sincerity.

The club has attracted worldwide attention, especially due to Jurgen Klopp’s long association with it as a player and manager.

This is the club that Kaishu Sano is currently a member of.

✨ In one word…

“A club that remembers the hearts of ordinary people and where you can laugh and cry”

🔴⚪ Culture, atmosphere, and characteristics of Mainz 05

1. “A representative club for the common people”

-Mainz is a so-called “citizens’ club” based in a small city (population approximately 200,000).

・Although they are not flashy, their identity lies in their attitude of fighting steadily and being loved by the local people.

“Win or lose, we always look forward with a smile” — that kind of “cheerfulness” and “sincerity” is what makes Mainz so appealing.

② Bright club colors befitting a “festival town”

-Mainz is a city famous for its carnival culture.

・As a result, the club has a bright and relaxed atmosphere, with a sense of laughter and ease.

・The team song and mascot are somewhat “laid back” but warm (laughs).

3) Known worldwide as the “origin of Klopp”

– Jürgen Klopp was a professional player and then a manager for many years.

– It is the club where he developed his talent as a coach and motivator for young players, and it is still recognized as “Klopp’s hometown.”

-His successor, Tuchel, also started his managerial career here.

→It can also be seen as a base for innovation and development.

4. Fight with unity and running ability

– A club that emphasizes teamwork, defensive blocks, running ability, and discipline over technique.

– There is rarely an absolute star, but the team’s attitude of working hard is inspiring to spectators.

– They are a team not to be underestimated, often pulling off upsets against big clubs.

⑤ Warm bonds with supporters

・Although it is small in scale, it is characterized by a “homey, unified support.”

-After the game, there are also unique performances such as the “human chain”, where players and fans hold hands and do a line dance.

-The company is so deeply involved in the local community that “Mainz 05 classes” are held in local elementary schools.

🏟 Stadium: MEWA Arena (formerly Coface Arena)

・Capacity: Approximately 30,000 people. Easy access, within walking distance of the city center.

– A compact, **immersive stadium** with the pitch close and echoing cheers.

・The stands are decorated in red and white, creating a “hot, cheerful atmosphere.”