Werder Bremen suffered a 3‑0 loss to Borussia Dortmund on 13 January 2026, leaving the club with 17 points and a 13th‑place standing. The Green‑Whites must quickly rebound in a home match against Eintracht Frankfurt, where three points are essential to climb out of the relegation zone and revive their season.
Dortmund Defeat Highlights the Gap
The encounter at Signal Iduna Park saw Dortmund, second in the Bundesliga with 33 points, dominate from the first minute. Jude Bellingham opened scoring in the 23rd minute, followed by Sebastian Haller’s header ten minutes later. A third goal from Friedrich “Freddy” Kessié in the 68th minute sealed a 3‑0 victory. Coach Horst Steffen admitted the defeat exposed a lack of intensity and tactical discipline.
Frankfurt Clash: Points and Pride
One day later, Werder Bremen hosts Eintracht Frankfurt at the Weserstadion. Frankfurt sits seventh with 26 points, aiming for a Europa League spot, while Bremen needs a win to move at least two places up the table.
- Mikkel Damsgaard – Bremen’s creative spark, seeking consistency.
- Filip Kostić – Frankfurt’s wide threat that will test Bremen’s flanks.
The match, scheduled for Friday at 16:30 UTC, offers Steffen a chance to tighten defensive organization, improve midfield cohesion, and increase finishing precision.
Next Up: Freiburg Survival Match
After Frankfurt, Bremen travels to face SC Freiburg on Sunday at 14:30 UTC. Freiburg’s solid defensive record makes breaking them down crucial for Bremen’s survival hopes. The technical staff may shift to a compact 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, focusing on quick counter‑attacks.
Potential Table Impact
A win over Frankfurt followed by at least a point against Freiburg could lift Bremen to 10th place, moving them out of the immediate relegation shadow. Conversely, dropping points would keep them near the bottom, increasing the risk of a relegation playoff later in the season.
What Lies Ahead for Werder Bremen
Coach Steffen emphasizes resilience: “Our fans deserve a fighting performance, and the players know what’s at stake.” The upcoming week will test tactical adjustments, player mentality, and a bit of luck as Bremen strives to turn a disappointing defeat into a springboard for a resurgence before the winter break.
