During this Bundesliga clash, Stuttgart and Union Berlin fans were both getting in on the action with a pair of stunning displays in the stands.
German football is no stranger to an incredible Tifo. From Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall to Bayern Munich’s Südkurve, the Bundesliga has some of the most iconic stands in Europe – and they tend to be littered with exciting and inventive choreographies.
What Tifos did Stuttgart and Union Berlin fans show off?
Before the game, the travelling Union Berlin supporters displayed a “My Religion” choreo, accompanied by red scarves and flares. One long banner at the top of the away section read “Meine Religion – Eisern Union” or “My Religion – Iron Union” in English.
The home fans’ group Commando Cannstatt were celebrating a special occasion – ten years of their official friendship with AS Saint-Étienne Ultra group Magic Fans. To honour the event, they displayed a huge Tifo upon which was written “CC97 MF91 – 10 Years”.
VfB Stuttgart’s “Commando Cannstatt” celebrating 10 years of friendship with St. Etienne’s “Magic Fans” this evening.
1. FC Union Berlin’s travelling support with a “My Religion” choreo.
Brilliant atmosphere and a very watchable first half. The #Bundesliga at its best.
HT: 1-0 pic.twitter.com/fbYBuO3UJe
— Matt Ford (@matt_4d) March 8, 2024
Stuttgart’s friendship with St. Étienne
As is common in Europe, Stuttgart’s Commando Cannstatt have official friendships with a number of different fan groups.
Within Germany, they are friends with 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Energie Cottbus, and SSV Reutlingen 05.
Their friendships also extend abroad, with AC Cesena of Italy and, of course, Saint-Étienne of France being other clubs that the group has good relationships with.
The kinship between Stuttgart and the French club is so great that you will often see Magic Fans flags at Stuttgart games and Commando Cannstatt flags at Saint-Étienne games.
The two sets of fans even staged a joint football tournament in Stuttgart in 2021, and during the French club’s Europa League campaign in 2019, CC97 Ultras were present at every away game.
What happened in the match between Stuttgart and Union Berlin?
The game between Stuttgart and Union Berlin finished 2-0, with goals from Serhou Guirassy and Chris Führich proving the difference. András Schafer was also sent off for the visitors.
The result means the hosts are still putting the pressure on Bayern Munich, lurking in third place, just one point behind the Bavarian giants – albeit having played a game more.
As for Union, they remain in 14th, not yet entirely safe from relegation in what has been a difficult season for the Berlin side.