Legends Match Halts for Unique Hydration Break: Players Offered Beer and Shots
A charity match between Real Madrid and Werder Bremen legends featured a memorable hydration break, paying homage to a quirky historical event.
A legends match between Real Madrid and Werder Bremen was briefly halted for a unique hydration break, during which players were offered beer and shots on the pitch. The unusual pause occurred during a charity match celebrating the 100th anniversary of Werder Bremen's Weserstadion.
Servers, dressed in white shirts and black aprons, entered the field carrying trays with refreshments. The break was a tribute to former referee Wolf-Dieter Ahlenfelder, who famously paused a 1975 match at the same stadium at the 32nd minute. Ahlenfelder later revealed he had consumed a beer and a Malteser shot before that game.
Brazilian striker Ailton, a former Werder Bremen star, was seen accepting and drinking a beer during the recent match.
The special hydration break occurred in the 32nd minute of Saturday's game. The tradition of offering players alcoholic beverages during breaks is a stark contrast to the mandatory water breaks seen in major tournaments like the World Cup, which have sometimes been met with fan disapproval due to delays.
The match featured former players from both clubs, including Ailton, Diego, Naldo, and Per Mertesacker for Werder Bremen, and Claude Makelele, Pepe, Christian Karembeu, and Esteban Cambiasso for Real Madrid. Werder Bremen ultimately won the game 4-3.