2nd Bundesliga
Werder Bremen won the top game of the 2nd Bundesliga. The Hanseatic League beat table neighbors Darmstadt and drew level with leaders St. Pauli on points.
Bundesliga relegated Werder Bremen has taken an important step on the way back to the first class. Favored by a 67-minute superiority, coach Ole Werner’s team won the second division top game against Darmstadt 98 1-0 (0-0) and thus caught up with leaders FC St. Pauli on points. With three points behind, the Hessians take third place.
Niclas Füllkrug scored the winning goal in the 52nd minute. With his 14th goal of the season, the Bremen attacker was released in an exemplary manner by his fellow striker Erin Dinkci.
Darmstadt with game control, Gjasula with the bear service
The guests had to make do with only nine field players from the 23rd minute. Midfielder Klaus Gjasula saw the red card after Romano Schmid kicked his knee. Referee Robert Schröder initially only issued a warning, but changed his decision after studying the video images.
Up to this point, the guests had the game well under control thanks to their ball security. The weakened Hanseatic League was visibly impressed by the unusual backdrop of a Weser Stadium that was almost sold out with 41,000 spectators. The fact that four regular players were not available also slowed down the actions of the hosts.
Only after being sent off did the North Germans find their way into the game better. Füllkrug failed in the 26th and 29th minute from close range at Marcel shoes. The 98-goalkeeper was also on the post when Felix Agu (45+1) shot from distance.
After the change of sides and the lead for the hosts, coach Torsten Lieberknecht’s team, which had had the upper hand 3-0 in the first leg, got more and more on the defensive. The lilies hardly came to relieve counterattacks.
On the contrary: Schuhen prevented a preliminary decision in favor of SV Werder several times. Bremen coach Werner repeatedly grabbed his head in despair.