November 10th, 2007 – Bundesliga Matchday 11: Borussia Dortmund vs VfB Stuttgart
The buzz in Dortmund was electric.
After two thrilling performances—one in the league and another in the UEFA Cup—Signal Iduna Park was ready for another footballing feast. Stuttgart was in town, boasting a disciplined side with fast wingers and a sturdy backline. But what made the matchup even more exciting was the return of their midfield maestro, Thomas Hitzlsperger, and their red-hot striker, Mario Gómez.
For Dortmund, it wasn't just another game. It was a test of consistency.
Coach Thomas Doll addressed the squad before kickoff. "Same formation. Nico, you're back in the middle today. I want you floating. Pull defenders. Create space. But most of all—run the game."
Nico nodded calmly, his expression unreadable. His mind was already locked in.
> System Notification: New Tactical Role: Free Roaming Advanced Playmaker Position Flexibility Boost Activated – Zidane Template Integration: 32%
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Starting XI – Borussia Dortmund:
GK: Roman Weidenfeller
DEF: Dede, Wörns, Subotić, Kringe
MID: Tinga, Sahin, Nico (CAM)
ATT: Kuba (RW), Federico (LW), Valdez (ST)
Stuttgart Lineup:
GK: Jens Lehmann
DEF: Magnin, Tasci, Meira, Osorio
MID: Hitzlsperger, Khedira, Hilbert
ATT: Bastürk (CAM), Gómez, Cacau
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Kickoff – First Half
The match started with high tempo. Stuttgart pressed early, forcing Dortmund to circulate the ball quickly through the back.
Minute 4: Nico received a zipped pass from Sahin. One quick flick behind his heel sent Valdez through—
Saved by Lehmann.
> Commentator: "Nico Valen already orchestrating like a seasoned general. The vision on that flick was unreal."
Minute 9: Dortmund pushed higher. Kuba dribbled past Magnin and cut back for Nico, who dummied— Federico collected and shot—
GOAL! Borussia Dortmund 1–0 Stuttgart
Signal Iduna erupted.
> System Notification: Assist Registered – Bundesliga Total: 11 Match Rating: 7.9
Minute 16: Stuttgart found space on the counter. Khedira played a through ball to Gómez who broke the offside trap—
GOAL! Stuttgart 1–1 Dortmund
Weidenfeller punched the turf. The high line had failed again.
Minute 29: A midfield battle ensued. Nico was swarmed by Hilbert and Hitzlsperger but managed a cheeky backheel to Tinga, who switched the ball wide.
Kuba crossed—Valdez's header—
Off the post!
Minute 33: Stuttgart countered instantly. Bastürk sprinted down the right and floated in a cross—
GOAL! Stuttgart 2–1 Dortmund
By halftime, Stuttgart led 2–1.
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Halftime Locker Room
Doll paced in front of the whiteboard. "They're punishing us on the break. Nico, sit deeper in the second half when they counter. Sahin, tighter on Khedira. We're still in this."
Nico sat silently, sweat dripping from his forehead. In his mind, plays were rerunning like a movie reel. He visualized angles, traps, and blind spots.
> System Notification: Halftime Tactical Adjustment Detected – New Objectives Set Second Half Quest: Involvement in 2 Key Chances
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Second Half Begins
Minute 48: Nico dropped deep, orchestrated a triangle with Sahin and Dede, and pinged a cross-field pass to Kuba.
The Polish winger danced past Magnin and crossed to Valdez—
Blocked.
Minute 52: Nico picked the ball from deep and charged forward. He feinted left, spun right past Hilbert, then slipped a diagonal pass to Federico—
Low shot!
Saved again by Lehmann.
> Commentator: "You can feel the frustration brewing in Dortmund, but Nico's fire isn't going out."
Minute 60: Stuttgart nearly put the game to bed. Hitzlsperger let fly a rocket from 30 yards—
Bar rattled!
Weidenfeller pounced on the rebound.
Minute 67: Finally, Dortmund broke through. Nico received a pass at the top of the box, juggled once, and volleyed—
GOAL! Dortmund 2–2 Stuttgart
The stadium exploded.
> System Notification: Goal Registered – Bundesliga Total: 6 Match Rating: 8.4
Minute 73: Stuttgart responded instantly. Cacau turned Subotić inside out and finished clinically.
GOAL! Stuttgart 3–2 Dortmund
Minute 81: Nico found Valdez again with a curved through ball—
Saved. Again.
Minute 90+2: One last attack. Nico swung in a corner—cleared.
Final whistle.
Full-Time: Borussia Dortmund 2–3 VfB Stuttgart
A crushing loss. But the applause was thunderous. Nico's effort was undeniable.
> Post-Match Rating: 8.7 Fans' Man of the Match: Nico Valen Coach Doll: "He gave everything. One of the few players who looked ready for war today."
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Bundesliga Standings (Matchday 11):
1. Bayern – 29 pts
2. Schalke – 27 pts
3. Leverkusen – 25 pts
4. Dortmund – 22 pts
5. Stuttgart – 21 pts
System Summary:
> Goals (Bundesliga): 6
Assists (Bundesliga): 11
Match Rating Average: 8.5
Morale: High despite loss
Fitness: Caution – Match Load Rising
> Quest Updates:
Half-Henry Trial: 11/17 Assists
Goal King: 8/?? Goals
Crown the Creator: In Progress
Legendary Ability Quest: Still Locked – No Trophy Yet
> Fan Forums:
"Nico was the only one who looked like he wanted to win."
"This kid's gonna be a Ballon d'Or finalist before he's 21."