Ronivaldo inaugurated the new blue and white stadium with a dream goal

Now the Hofmann staff stadium of FC Blau Weiß Linz is really ready for the Bundesliga. The first test gallop on the grass went very well in the 1:2 (1:2) against PSV Eindhoven. And that at 36 degrees Celsius at the start of the game. The heat also demanded everything from the teams because the game lasted 120 minutes to give all squad players enough time.

“And the sun always rises” – at the request of Honorary President Hermann Schellmann, when the Linz Blue and Whites returned to the Donaupark shortly before kick-off, that classic by Udo Jürgens was played – Schellmann also 26 years ago after the last derby against the Let LASK play before the merger. “I stood on the Linzer Gugl pitch and told the fans to keep their blue and white fan paraphernalia.” Back then, not even he would have dared to dream that there would ever be a return to the Bundesliga.

And the sun rose for the blue and whites after just four minutes, when Ronivaldo’s long-range shot from more than 20 meters went right into the left corner to make it 1-0. A dream debut for the player, the club and the fans. The celebrations were huge – and it was irrelevant that you could have guessed that that lead would not last long against PSV Eindhoven’s €200m star ensemble. After just 14 minutes, Eindhoven’s superstar Xavi Simons equalized to make it 1-1 (14′). Two minutes later, the blue and white defense made it too easy for the opponent when Pepi scored (16′).

As a result, both teams mixed up properly as the game progressed – the blue and white held out in every formation until the end. There was a little relief because Eindhoven’s Jason van Duiven received a second yellow card after 77 minutes and the Dutch had to make do with one player less for 43 minutes. In the 118th minute, newcomer Stefan Urlaub almost equalized, but missed the goal in front of the opposing goalkeeper Walter Benitez.

The atmosphere in the stands was great – even if the stadium was sold out, but due to the bathing weather one or the other seat remained free. But it was already noticeable in this opening match what a home advantage the blue and white will have in this small, cramped stadium. The Blue and White Bundesliga home premiere in the new stadium will then take place on August 6th against Hartberg.