Rot-Weiss Essen at Hibs — Terrace Edition

Words: Samuel Beer

Images: Samuel Beer

The atmosphere in Essen was electric as the anticipation built among the crowd. The Scottish fans suddenly roared as four of the Famous Five walked onto the pitch.

The whistle blew, and the game began. These four players, unsurprisingly, scored the four goals that gave Hibernian their first-ever European win.

Fast forward seventy years. Hibernian are celebrating not only their third-place finish in the SPFL but also their 150th anniversary, after Edward Joseph Hannan founded the club in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh back in 1875.

2025 is a monumental year for the club, with a special anniversary kit and a calendar full of events; the first being a friendly match against third-division German club Rot-Weiss Essen.

As the Scottish club celebrates its rich history, what better way to kick off the season than with a commemorative match marking both clubs' first European appearance?

©Samuel Beer/ Terrace Edition. Rot-Weiss Essen at Hibernian.

Both clubs share similar roots, having strong foundations in the working-class communities of their respective cities. Though Essen has seen a slow decline since the 1960s, the club still boasts a passionately loyal fan base.

The friendly took place at Easter Road in Edinburgh, Hibernian's famous home ground since 1893. On the day before the match, thousands of Essen fans flooded the Old Town in Edinburgh, chanting their songs and sticking hundreds of stickers on every lamppost they could find.

The passionate and loud visiting fans created a particularly unique and notable atmosphere, and although both sets of fans were out in force, they both enjoyed beers in the summer sun.

I spoke to two passionate Essen fans, Dirk and Barbara, who have supported the club throughout their lives. The pair had booked the tickets the second the game was announced. They shared that this game was particularly special for them and that they enjoying developing new friendships in Edinburgh during their visit.

©Samuel Beer/ Terrace Edition Hibernian vs Rot-Weiss Essen.

6:45 PM, 9th July.

The game is set to begin in less than fifteen minutes. The police stand in the corner between the newly named Pat Stanton Stand and the South Stand, where over two thousand Essen fans are singing and waving their flags.

The Essen fans light up their flares, and the ground fills with smoke. The atmosphere was one only found at European games.

The security guards paced back and forth across the South Stand, as the whistle blew, starting the game. And without wasting a second, the Essen fans started their performance. One man leading the pack with a megaphone took occasional pauses to turn his head and watch a few minutes of the game.

The stadium echoed with German chants so impressive that the home crowd applauded the away fans during the match.

Hibernian's latest signing, Jamie McGrath, scored the opening goal (and his first for the club), and then Canadian international Junior Hoilett delivered a fantastic finish to make it 2-0 at half-time.

During the break, the Essen fans didn’t stop their performance for an instant. They kept Easter Road buzzing with energy. Meanwhile, Essen decided to change their entire XI for the second half.

The Essen fans weren’t discouraged by the score. In fact, as one fan I interviewed put it, “We are just here to have a fun time.”

And it got even more fun for them as Dominik Martinovic scored a brace, bringing the score to the ever-suspenseful 2-2. Both sets of fans, now under a beautiful sunset, cheered on their teams.

But it was Martin Boyle who sealed the win with a last-minute goal, giving Hibernian a 3-2 victory.

The game itself, was of course very entertaining, but the Essen fans were the crowning glory. But it also highlighted the importance of history in football.

Hibernian FC, now 150 years old, multiple-time winners of the Scottish Premiership and Cup, and who now, thanks to an amazing season under the leadership of manager David Gray, are starting the 2025-2026 season with a European game, much like they did, 70 years ago.

©Samuel Beer/ Terrace Edition. Easter Road.

©Samuel Beer/ Terrace Edition. Hibernian supporters vs Rot-Weiss Essen.

Samuel is on Instagram: @samo_beer

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