Celebratory Brandt lets BVB celebrate against Werder Bremen

61st goal in 300th game

A lot of work, little glamor – Borussia Dortmund only continued their recent high in a laborious manner and took the lead in the Bundesliga table, at least for one night. Coach Edin Terzic’s team achieved their fifth win in a row with a 1-0 (0-0) win over Werder Bremen. In front of 81,365 spectators, goalscorer Julian Brandt (67th minute) ensured BVB’s hard-fought success in their 300th Bundesliga game on Friday, making them unbeaten in 16 Bundesliga games across all seasons.

In contrast, the negative trend in Bremen continues. After the fourth defeat in the last five games, the danger zone is getting closer and closer. This is likely to increase criticism of coach Ole Werner despite the passable performance.

The memory of their last home defeat, when Bremen were the only team in Bundesliga history to turn a two-goal deficit into a win (3-2) in the 89th minute in August, sharpened BVB’s senses. Three of the four German national players who returned from the USA on a business jet specially chartered by the club were in the starting line-up and helped BVB take control from the start. Donyell Malen (6th) and Marius Wolf (7th) were close to Dortmund’s lead early on.

But after a shaky initial phase, Werder found their way into the game better. Although Borussia remained in charge, their great pressure gradually eased. Except for a long-range shot from Julian Ryerson (24′) parried by goalkeeper Michael Zetterer, the Bremen goal wasn’t really in danger for a long time. It was only a loss of the ball during the build-up to the game just outside their own penalty area that put the guests in dire straits. But Marco Reus shot past the goal from close range after a pass from Brandt and carelessly missed the greatest opportunity to date (32′).

In the remaining time until the half-time whistle, the passionately fighting Bremen still needed a little luck. After a remarkable solo run from Felix Nmecha, Malen didn’t hit the ball properly in front of the goal (39′). Six minutes later, the Dutch international’s shot was denied by Zetterer. On the other hand, BVB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel remained almost unemployed.

Even after the restart, BVB stormed the Bremen goal, but often lacked wit and determination. Only a flash of inspiration from Emre Can gave them the lead. The recently controversial midfielder’s lob at Brandt exposed the Werder defense. With a lob over Zetterer, the national player refined the pass and thus gave Borussia the redemptive lead. As a result, BVB had further good opportunities.

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