Werder Bremen were eliminated from the DFB Cup in a dramatic round of 16 tie. The team lost 3-2 away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening, having fought back from a two-goal deficit. This cup exit follows a 3-2 league defeat at the same venue against Dortmund on Tuesday 27 October.
Niclas Füllkrug scored from the penalty spot in the 65th minute and equalised just three minutes later from a Youri Regeer assist. However, Marcel Sabitzer struck the winner for Dortmund in the third minute of stoppage time. "One of the bitterest defeats I have experienced in my career so far. It really hurts," said Werder captain Marco Friedl after the match. Sabitzer was delighted: "That will be stored forever.
The visitors made a poor start. Serhou Guirassy put Dortmund ahead in the 6th minute, and Carney Chukwuemeka made it 2-0 in the 17th. Werder only improved after the break. The introduction of Füllkrug on the hour mark changed the game. His brace was a logical result of the improved performance. The error by goalkeeper Karl Hein, who was poorly positioned for Sabitzer's long-range strike, then sealed the exit.
Focus now shifts entirely to the Bundesliga. Werder Bremen are sixth in the table with 12 points from seven matches, having recorded three wins, three draws and one loss. Their recent form across the last five competitive matches shows one win, two draws and two defeats, including a 7-0 cup thrashing at Twente on 2 October. The team has scored 15 goals and conceded 14 this season for a goal difference of plus one. They trail leaders Bayern Munich by five points. Top scorer Niclas Füllkrug has already netted eight goals in seven appearances this season. The next fixture is at home against 10th-placed 1899 Hoffenheim on Saturday 31 October, with kick-off at 15:30. The team must quickly shake off the disappointment to continue their positive league form.
This story first appeared at butenunbinnen.de
