Carsten Ramelow – Bayer Leverkusen (18/09/2001)

This museum piece is of inestimable historical value, from the legendary epic of the German club. This match worn jersey was worn by the tough defensive midfielder and German international Carsten Ramelow during the Champions League clash between Olympique Lyonnais and Bayer Leverkusen in Gerland.

Match Context: Bayer's Perfect Heist at Gerland

For the opening of this group stage (2001-2002 season), Jacques Santini's OL hosted a formidable Leverkusen team. In a match played in a heavy context (postponed by a week after the September 11th attacks), the intensity on the pitch was total. Despite a clear domination by the Gones, who hit the post twice through Sonny Anderson and Pierre Laigle, Lyon was caught out. Against the run of play, striker Ulf Kirsten took advantage of a defensive mix-up in the 75th minute to score the only goal of the match. Reduced to ten men at the end of the game, Bayer heroically resisted the Rhone attacks and won (0-1). This success would launch the Germans into their incredible journey all the way to the final.

Carsten Ramelow: The Captain and Engine of the Werkself

An tireless defensive midfielder, capable of dropping back into central defense, Carsten Ramelow was the true fighting leader and iconic captain of Bayer Leverkusen, renowned for his physical exertion and game reading. Starting in midfield alongside Michael Ballack to face the Lyon midfield, he delivered a monumental performance, winning countless balls and cutting off local passing lanes for 90 minutes. Worn during this European tactical battle, this legendary jersey features all the official Champions League patches and markings and bears the marks of this historic victory. An absolute holy grail.