Tor-Festival in Cottbus: Werder Bremen Fails Bittencourt

The fourth preparatory test match of Werder Bremen is a special one! On Saturday afternoon, Werder defeated Energie Cottbus with a score of 4:2. Since this summer, the long-standing Werder star Leonardo Bittencourt (32) has been under contract at his hometown club. Bittencourt started in the lineup and had several actions but could not prevent the Bremer victory in the XXL test.

Early Troubles for Werder

In the 7th minute, Werder goalkeeper Karl Hein failed to handle a ball unpressured by Tolgay Cigerci. In the ensuing one-on-one situation, Bittencourt remained cool and outplayed the Bremer keeper. A significant blunder from Hein.

Shortly after, Bittencourt nearly scored but was saved by Werder's goalkeeper who made an excellent save from a close-range shot. Mats Heitmann (20), a Werder talent, had to be substituted due to injuries in just over a quarter of the game time.

Turning Point for Werder

After a weak start, Werder improved and equalized. Stage delivered a beautiful pass to Musah, who scored from 14 meters out (31.). Ten minutes later, Werder won possession again after a perfect combination with Musah. Samuel Mbangula capitalized on Lotka's mistake by scoring a free header (41.).

Both coaches made several substitutions at halftime. Bittencourt stayed on the bench for Cottbus. Alexander Schlager (30), Werder's new goalkeeper, made his debut and performed flawlessly. In the 100th minute, Paul Erevbenagie scored a spectacular goal from the long corner, followed by Borgmann's counterattack in the 109th minute – 4:2 (117.).

Bittencourt could still laugh after the game: 'Fortunately, it was just a test match. Otherwise, I might have had to hurt the boys at times. But I wish Werder Bremen and the team all the best for the upcoming season.'

Lineups of Both Teams:

1st Half: Hein – Wojcik, Heitmann (16. Friedl), Coulibaly – Nkinmah, Stalmach, Stage, Grüll – Schmid (47. Soylu), Musah, Mbangula

2nd Half: Schlager – Pieper, Friedl (74. Hamouda), Schmetgens – Quetant, Covic, Alvero, Erevbenagie – Chuki, Kownacki, Soylu (90. Höcker)