Schalke vs Nuremberg: A tale of two German clubs and an unlikely friendship

Ultimately, it is still a competitive football match, with points and ambitions on the line. Four points currently separate both in the league with Nuremberg 11th and Schalke 13th, but there have been times where even this relationship has been put to the test.

On the final day of the 2007-08 season, Schalke headed to Nuremberg needing a win to secure Champions League qualification, but that win would relegate their friends and hosts. Marcelo Bordon’s double secured that victory, and it is still remembered today.

“Whoever lost, lost everything,” Wiesner laughs.

“Schalke won in Nuremberg and some fans say they are the reason for relegation; it still makes Schalke fans quite sad. They have mixed feelings.”

“Some people don’t care about the friendship, but the active fans live it,” Wortmann adds. “Of course, we want Schalke to win, but if Nuremberg win and they come to the clubhouse, it is still fine. We still have a good time.”

Nuremberg and Schalke have 16 German titles between them, the second and fourth most respectively. Both have fallen on tough times and endured difficulty during their histories, which perhaps strengthens their bond further.

Though they would like a return to the glory years, playing in the lower leagues has made this event a regular occurrence.

“Both clubs had a lot of success during the 1990s,” Wiesner says. “We’ve had good times, bad times and chaotic times.

“It doesn’t matter what league we are in. The fans live for their club.

“Saturday is a special moment. It is not a friendship on paper, it is a friendship they are living.”

Football can be a breeding ground for community. Even, it seems, in the most unusual ways.