Werder Bremen caused a surprise on the second Bundesliga matchday with a 3:1 home win against RB Leipzig. After the opening defeat in Freiburg, the Green-Whites managed an important statement victory, as reported by Bild Sport.
How did Werder manage the turnaround?
The win was built on a combative performance and an early lead. Eren Dinkci scored the 1:0 in the fourth minute following work from Chucky and Niclas Füllkrug. Celebrating, Dinkci formed a heart for his girlfriend Cinja, who is battling leukemia. Daniel Thioune's team then showed disciplined defending, barely allowing Leipzig clear chances despite their possession.
Niclas Füllkrug provided the crucial second goal in the 68th minute. From a Dinkci corner and a cross by Marco Grüll, the striker headed home completely unmarked to make it 2:0. It was his first Bundesliga goal for Werder since April 2023. Grüll added a third in the 80th minute before Ridle Baku scored a consolation goal for Leipzig in stoppage time. Tagesschau highlighted the team's unity as the decisive factor.
What did those involved say after the match?
Werder captain Marco Friedl expressed relief after the win. "The criticism made us thoughtful. Today we were really up for it, we suffered at times and showed a really good reaction to the last game," he told Bild. Goalscorer Eren Dinkci called the goal a small dream. "I believe the team's togetherness was decisive today," the attacker said.
Leipzig coach Martin Demichelis was disappointed. "We have to learn. Werder were simply more active in the duels today. Also, we lost our structure after the second goal," he analyzed according to Tagesschau. The absences of several key players like Hugo Gruda and Castello Lukeba were felt by RB.
What is Werder's current situation?
The win lifts Werder in the table, but the starting position before the matchday was difficult. Before the game, the club was in 16th place with zero points, having scored one goal and conceded four from one match. The next challenge awaits on September 12th away at 1. FC Köln, who are currently eighth. The current standings show Werder is now three points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
The personnel situation remains tense. Besides new signings Youri Regeer and Arthur, who played against Leipzig, several regulars are still missing. Currently sidelined are Felix Agu, Jens Stage, Justin Njinmah and Senne Lynen, as listed on the injuries page. Their return would be important for the upcoming tasks. All future fixtures can be found on the schedule page.
The victory against Leipzig gives the team momentum for the away game in Cologne. Another success would be important for the fight to stay up, after the season started with a 4:1 defeat in Freiburg.
