Tifo, rollercoaster, or both? Osnabruck unveil new display

What the report says

VfL Osnabruck unveiled an unusually elaborate pre-match tifo before their German Cup first-round tie against Bayern Munich, using a rollercoaster theme to reflect the club’s long and uneven history. BBC Sport reported that the display was shown at Osnabruck’s Bremer Brucke stadium after several months of planning and building, and featured the message “VfL Osnabruck – a rollercoaster ride!” alongside a moving cart on tracks.

According to the report, the design included references to important moments in the club’s past, including a 1978 win over Bayern, as well as setbacks and off-field difficulties. The structure was built from materials such as wooden slats, plastic piping and fabric, while the cart was made mainly from wood and styrofoam and moved through a push-and-pull system. Fans also recorded a special song to accompany the display.

Osnabruck said the tifo was meant to symbolize the club’s “ups and downs,” and BBC Sport described it as one of the most elaborate matchday displays seen in German football. The banner was taken down before kick-off, but the atmosphere carried over into the game, where Osnabruck briefly led before Bayern recovered to win 4-1 and advance. The match underlined both Bayern’s strength and Osnabruck’s effort to celebrate its identity despite the result.