Horst Bertram
The goalkeeper who sat out a record defeat.
Horst Bertram was Borussia Dortmund's number one goalkeeper who had just recovered from injury before the 12–0 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach on 29 April 1978. However, coach Otto Rehhagel decided to start second-choice goalkeeper Peter Endrulat, giving him a chance to present himself.
- Role
- Goalkeeper
- Affiliation
- Borussia Dortmund
- Era
- 1977–1978 Season
- Status
- Lost starting spot earlier in the season; available but did not play on matchday 33
Lore & Background
The match was the 33rd matchday of the 1977–78 Bundesliga season, not the final match day. Borussia Mönchengladbach needed to win by a large margin to have a chance at the title, but 1. FC Köln's 5–0 win over FC St. Pauli made them champions. The 12–0 victory is tied with only one other match for the biggest win in Bundesliga history.
In Their Own Story
The scene at the Rheinstadion was chaotic as Mönchengladbach raced to a 12–0 victory. As the scoreline climbed past nine goals, Dortmund players on the bench asked how many more they needed to beat Cologne for the title. Rehhagel's response of 'have you gone crazy?' highlighted the futility of the situation. While Endrulat played through the match despite his contract expiring that summer, Bertram remained a spectator to one of football's most surreal scorelines. The final whistle brought relief for Dortmund players like Ewald Lienen and Christian Kulik who scored for Mönchengladbach, but for Bertram, it was a day where he could only watch as his team suffered a historic humiliation.
Reader's Guide
Bertram did not play in the 12–0 match. Endrulat started in goal and later said he regretted not leaving the field at half-time. After the match, Rehhagel was fired, and Bertram's status as undisputed number one is unclear from the source.
Did You Know?
- Bertram had just recovered from injury before the match, but Rehhagel chose to start Endrulat.
- Endrulat was told the morning before the game that his contract would not be extended.
- The 12–0 win is tied with only one other match for the biggest win in Bundesliga history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Horst Bertram during the late 1970s?
He served as Borussia Dortmund's primary goalkeeper throughout the 1977–78 campaign before an injury sidelined him temporarily.
Why did he not start in the final match against Mönchengladbach?
Coach Otto Rehhagel decided to give second-choice Peter Endrulat a chance despite Bertram recovering from his ailment.
What was the outcome of that specific game on April 29, 1978?
The match ended disastrously for Dortmund, who conceded twelve goals while Bertram watched from the bench.
Is Horst Bertram considered a Mönchengladbach player?
No, he remained affiliated with Borussia Dortmund throughout this period and faced his rivals as an opponent rather than a teammate.
How is this moment significant in club history?
It remains a notable incident where the starting keeper was benched for a crucial fixture that resulted in a historic heavy loss.