Stress test in a cauldron! Soccer hell and a tank await VfB Stuttgart

Belgrade (Serbia) -VfB Stuttgart visit Red Star Belgradethis Wednesday evening for the fifth matchday of this year's Champions League season. The Swabians go into the match as the presumed favorites , but the atmosphere in the 55,000-capacity Rajko Mitić Stadium could have an influence on the distribution of roles.

View of the decommissioned T-55 tank in front of the Rajko Mitić stadium in the Serbian capital Belgrade.
View of the decommissioned T-55 tank in front of the Rajko Mitić stadium in the Serbian capital Belgrade.  © Ivan Simovic

Because when the game kicks off at 9 p.m., guests can expect an unprecedented cauldron that is second to none.

A deafening backdrop, coupled with insane choreography and spectacular pyro shows that have already brought one or two soccer giants to their knees - for example, the English Premier League club Liverpool FC once went down 2-0 (0-2) under the direction of Jürgen Klopp (57).

The Serbian record champions' active fan scene, known as Delije (heroes), is notorious - and always causes a stir.

In 2019, they made headlines far beyond the country's borders when a now decommissioned T-55 tank was placed in front of the home ground as an "attraction". Incidentally, it is still there today and enjoys great popularity among Red Star fans.

Before Champions League clash with Red Star Belgrade: VfB Stuttgart warns its own fans!

The burning of pyrotechnics is practically the order of the day in the Red Star fans' camp.
The burning of pyrotechnics is practically the order of the day in the Red Star fans' camp.  © Darko Vojinovic/AP/dpa

The Bundesliga club does not want to take any risks and had already given the traveling supporters rules of conduct and safety tips well before the match.

"There is a very high risk potential for fans of visiting teams, especially in the home curve, and the same applies to the back straight," the runners-up had warned their supporters in the run-up to the match.

Visiting fan paraphernalia is not permitted in either the home or away stands. The same also applies to their stay in the city.

The fans "cannot be protected or supported in any other way outside the area of the official guest ticket contingent".

The decommissioned tank is very popular with Red Star fans and is used as a photo motif.
ContentImage.Description   © OLIVER BUNIC / AFP

With a win against Belgrade, the Swabians could climb further up the league system of the reformed top flight. The same applies to the home side if they want to keep in touch with the qualification places with three more points.