Narrow defeat in Bremen

Sebastian Hoeneß’s team enjoyed plenty of possession from the outset and had the first clear-cut chance of the game in the fifth minute when Hiroki Ito’s brilliant pass found Deniz Undav, who missed a one-on-one against Michael Zetterer.

The Bremen goalkeeper thwarted VfB again in the 23rd minute when he prevented the visitors taking the lead from Serhou Guirassy’s deflected free-kick.

Ducksch scores, Undav unlucky

Just five minutes later the hosts took the lead against the run of play after Jamie Leweling brought down Felix Agu inside the box, with Marvin Ducksch converting the ensuing penalty. VfB lacked their usual incision in the final third after that, although Undav did hit the crossbar with a header on the stroke of half-time (44′).

Bremen double their lead

Stuttgart lacked their customary dynamism in the second half too, allowing Bremen to add to the scoreline in the 49th minute following a swift counter-attack. The hosts subsequently defended passionately in a 5-4-1 formation, making it difficult for VfB to break them down.

Undav on target

Undav managed to reduce the deficit in the 72nd minute following superb play from Chris Führich, and VfB then pushed hard for an equaliser and dominated the closing stages of the game, but were ultimately unable to avoid defeat.

Goals

28′: Ducksch puts Werder 1-0 up from the spot after Leweling fouls Agu.

49′: With VfB out of sorts at the back, Romano Schmid crosses into the middle from the right and finds the unmarked Ducksch, who makes it 2-0 from close range.

72′: Führich does brilliantly in the build-up and Bremen can’t clear his pass into the box, culminating in Undav prodding in from two yards out.