August 24, 2007 - Bundesliga Season 2007-08, Matchday 1
Borussia Dortmund vs. VfL Wolfsburg - Signal Iduna Park
Marco stood in the tunnel, wearing Dortmund's home kit—yellow shirt, black shorts, #24 on his back.
His first Bundesliga debut did not start as a substitute, not as a bench warmer. It was as the starting left winger for Borussia Dortmund in front of 80,000 fans.
The atmosphere here was electric. He has been to this stadium countless times. But as a spectator. But today he was here as a player, performing for the yellow wall. His heart was beating loudly against his ribs—with a mixture nervousness and excitement.
The teams walked out. The roar of 80,000 people hit like a physical force. The Yellow Wall—25,000 standing fans—singing, bouncing, creating a wall of sound and passion.
This was it. This was the Bundesliga.
Marco's parents were here at the VIP stands, alongside Krahn, his agent. They were constantly at the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting for the match to start.
Scarlett was in front of the television, like countless other fans.
[Kickoff - 0:00]
Commentator 1: "Good evening and welcome to Signal Iduna Park for the opening day of the 2007-08 Bundesliga season! Borussia Dortmund hosting VfL Wolfsburg, and there's a notable inclusion in the Dortmund starting eleven—eighteen-year-old Marco Reus making his first Bundesliga start on the left wing."
Commentator 2: "Yes, quite a surprise selection by Thomas Doll. Reus had an excellent pre-season, but to throw an eighteen-year-old into a Bundesliga opener? That's bold. He'll be up against Wolfsburg's experienced right-back Marcel Schäfer. Tough assignment for a debut."
[8th Minute]
Marco received his first meaningful touch—a pass from the left-back near the halfway line. Schäfer approached cautiously.
He didn't try to force dribble. Seeing that the forward path is well defended, he followed the tactics and did his job—build-up, maintain width.
Marco pushed the ball forward, drawing Schäfer out, then passed inside to the central midfielder and sprinted forward into space.
The ball didn't come back—the midfielder played it right instead. But Marco had done his job: drawn the fullback, created space, made the run.
Commentator: "Intelligent movement from young Reus there. Didn't try to do too much, played the simple pass, made the forward run. Textbook left wing play in Doll's system."
[15th Minute]
Dortmund built from the back. The ball worked left to Marco, thirty yards from goal, Schäfer closing him down.
Marco took one touch to control, looked up, saw the number 9 Valdez at the top of the box..
He made a quick pass to the striker, then immediately sprint in behind the defense, trying to play a wall pass.
The striker laid it off to the attacking midfielder, who played it first-time into Marco's run.
Marco was on the run! One-on-one with the goalkeeper—
Unfortunately his touch was slightly heavy. The goalkeeper rushed out, and smothered it.
The first real chance of the game was gone.
Commentator 2: "Oh! First big chance for Dortmund and it falls to Reus! The movement was perfect—that's exactly what Doll wants from his wingers. But his final touch let him down, but at eighteen, in his first Bundesliga match, that's understandable. He'll learn."
Commentator 1: "Indeed, but look at his reaction—no frustration, immediately tracking back. That professional attitude, rarely seen from a debutant."
Marco jogged back, Christian shouting encouragement: "Good run! Next time you'll score!"
[23rd Minute]
Dortmund won possession in midfield. Quick transition—Sebastian Kehl, the attacking midfielder drove forward, Wolfsburg's defense retreating.
Marco was wide left, but he saw it: the space between the center-backs, and the striker who was ready to pounce on it.
He called for the ball. The Kehl played it to Marco's feet.
Marco didn't control it. A disguised one touch, and delivered the through ball.
His touch, with perfect weight, threaded between two defenders, just ahead of the striker's run so he could take it in stride.
The Valdez ran onto it, took one touch, slotted past the goalkeeper.
1-0 DORTMUND.
Commentator 1: "WHAT A BALL! Marco Reus with an absolutely exquisite through pass! That's the hallmark of a top-class winger—vision, technique, and perfect execution!"
Commentator 2: "Eighteen years old and he's just created a goal with the composure of a veteran. That pass is what he's known for at youth level—through balls that split defenses. Now he's doing it in the Bundesliga!"
Valdez sprinted to the corner flag, roaring at the crowd, team mates piled on top of him, congratulating him in turn.
When Marco reached him he grabbed him in a bear hug. Teammates tapping his back. The Yellow Wall erupted.
This marked Marco's first Bundesliga assist.
[37th Minute]
Wolfsburg built an attack down their right side. Marco tracked back, following his man—Doll's defensive instructions clear: left winger becomes left midfielder in defensive shape.
When Wolfsburg's right-winger received the ball, Marco pressed immediately. Forced a poor pass. Dortmund regained possession.
Commentator 2: "Excellent defensive work from Reus. That's the complete package—he's not just creating going forward, he's working hard without the ball. Dortmund's coaching staff will be very pleased."
[Half-Time]
Commentator 1: "So at half-time, Dortmund lead 1-0 thanks to that wonderful assist from Marco Reus. The eighteen-year-old has been Dortmund's most dangerous player—one assist, one chance created for himself, constant movement, and solid defensive work. Impressive debut so far."
Commentator 2: "Absolutely. Wolfsburg's Marcel Schäfer has had no answer to Reus's pace and movement. If Dortmund can keep this up, all three points are theirs."