SV Werder Bremen had long been dreaming of a win at VfL Wolfsburg after a year’s absence in the Bundesliga, but Wolfsburg saved a lucky draw.
SV Werder drew 2-2 at VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday (06.08.2022) on matchday 1 of the Bundesliga.
Lukas Nmecha (11th) apparently put Wolfsburg on course with the opening goal. But Werder didn’t let the early setback upset them and equalized through Niclas Füllkrug (21′).
The promoted team continued to play boldly and followed up just two minutes later: Leonardo Bittencourt scored the 2-1 with a remarkable header into the far corner.
Bremen self-confident, Wolfsburg sedate
Wolfsburg remained offensively pale even after the break, a standard situation in the final phase saved VfL from bankruptcy at home: Joshua Guilavogui was spot on after a corner kick and a cross from substitute Max Kruse and scored the happy equalizer (84th).
The 28,015 spectators in Wolfsburg were amazed at the self-confident performance of the newly promoted team, coach Ole Werner’s team seemed more lively and quick-witted than the sedentary Wolfsburg team.
Sorted out Guilavogui saves Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg’s new coach Niko Kovac experienced a turbulent start to the season and had to take corrective action at ever shorter intervals. His team was clearly inferior, especially when it came to winning the ball. Kovac reacted to the two clear defensive errors in the goals conceded at half-time and replaced newcomer Mattias Svanberg from Sweden with veteran Guilavogui. The ex-captain, who was last loaned to his native France, is actually on the sales list in Wolfsburg.
The hosts were now more stable, at least on the defensive, but there were still problems in the forward movement. From the 56th minute, Danish national player Jonas Wind was supposed to provide more of a goal threat. But this change did not result in more than two half-chances. After all, Kruse, who came on shortly before the end, was involved in the equalization with his template.
Wolfsburg has to go to Bayern
Wolfsburg travels to FC Bayern on the 2nd matchday on Sunday (08/14/2022), Bremen plays against Stuttgart the day before.