Werder Bremen suffered their first defeat under coach Ole Werner and lost their lead in the 2nd Bundesliga.
The Bundesliga relegated lost in the eleventh game under the new coach 1: 2 (0: 1) at 1. FC Heidenheim and had to let the equal points competitors Darmstadt 98 and FC St. Pauli pass.
Christian Kühlwetter (38′) gave the hosts the lead with a long-range shot into the top corner, ending their run of four games without a win and improving to fifth place.
Stefan Schimmer (63rd) sealed the first Bremen bankruptcy since November 27, 2021 (1: 2 at Holstein Kiel). Shortly before the end, Heidenheim’s Marnon Busch saw the red card (87′, according to video evidence), and Marvin Ducksch (89′) ensured a thrilling final minute with a direct free kick.
“In the first half we had opportunities to take the lead,” said Bremen’s Leonardo Bittencourt on “Sky”: “We shouldn’t have lost the game, but Heidenheim did well.” Looking at the last eight days of the game, he added: “Now it’s crunch time. It’s in our own hands.”
Heidenheim keeper Müller annoys Werder Bremen
In a varied and entertaining game, Heidenheim got off to a better start in front of 11,250 spectators. But Werder worked their way into the game and created a few good chances, which, however, were destroyed by the strong goalkeeper Kevin Müller.
After the change of sides, Bremen initially increased their attacking efforts. On the other side, keeper Jiri Pavlenka prevented the 0:2 (61st) from a counterattack by the hosts with a brilliant save against Schimmer.
Just two minutes later, Werder defender Anthony Jung failed with a bad pass in his own penalty area and this time Schimmer scored.