Eintracht Frankfurt secured a dramatic 2‑1 victory over SV Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion on Friday night, with Santiago Ascacibar’s 86th‑minute strike clinching all three points. The win lifts Frankfurt into the Europa League chase, while Bremen remains stuck in mid‑table despite dominating possession.
First Half: Bremen Takes Early Lead
Bremen broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Milot Rashica capitalised on a low cross from Ludwig Augustinsson, slipping the ball past Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp. The home side enjoyed 57% possession and created 11 shots on target, but Frankfurt held a compact defensive shape and kept the score at 1‑0.
Second Half: Frankfurt Turns Game Around
Coach Oliver Glasner’s tactical shift paid off after the break. A fresh Daichi Kamada entered in the 55th minute, linking quickly with Filip Kostić. Their one‑two culminated in Kostić’s curling effort in the 68th minute to level the match.
Six minutes later Bremen threatened again, but Sebastian Rudy’s free‑kick rattled the post. The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute when Ascacibar received a lofted ball from Trapp and unleashed a powerful shot that deflected off defender Miro Muheim, wrong‑footing the keeper and sealing the win.
Match Context: Form and Tactics
Both clubs entered with contrasting fortunes. Bremen, sitting 13th, had endured a five‑match winless streak and missed midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt through injury. Frankfurt, in 9th place, were seeking consistency after a recent loss to Bayern Munich; the return of Kamada added the creative spark needed to overturn the deficit.
Implications for Frankfurt
- League Position: The victory moves Frankfurt to 8th, only three points shy of a Europa League spot.
- Momentum: A late, hard‑won win boosts morale ahead of a crucial home clash with Bayern Munich.
- Transfer Window: Strong performances from Kamada and Kostić strengthen Frankfurt’s bargaining position for upcoming signings.
Implications for Bremen
- Standing: Bremen remains 13th, three points above the relegation zone with two matches left before the winter break.
- Goal Conversion: Despite higher possession, Bremen’s inability to finish highlights a need for sharper attacking options.
- Next Challenge: An upcoming away game at Borussia Mönchengladbach will test the team’s ability to stabilize their league position.
Looking Ahead
Frankfurt will host Bayern Munich next, a fixture that could cement their push for European qualification or expose defensive frailties. Meanwhile, Bremen travels to face Borussia Mönchengladbach, a match that may prove pivotal in avoiding a late‑season slump.