When you think back to VfB Stuttgart’s 1987 - 88 season, two names stand out: Günther Schäfer and Guido Buchwald. Both were examples of the team’s fighting spirit. While Buchwald dominated the defensive centre, Schäfer was a passionate driving force on the left side. The cup semi final against Bremen was legendary: Schäfer played on despite a bleeding wound, undeterred and determined. Buchwald, the strategist, held the defence together. They led Stuttgart to the final together, a moment that burnt itself deep into the hearts of the fans. Although they did not win the cup, what remained was more: two men who became role models in one season. They represented the values that characterised VfB in those days: commitment, authenticity and team spirit, with an impact that went far beyond the sporting arena.