Werder Bremen continues downward spiral with 1:2 defeat to Wolfsburg

Werder Bremen’s decline shows no signs of stopping as they were defeated by VfL Wolfsburg at the Weserstadion, losing 1:2 (0:1) and suffering their fifth consecutive loss in official matches. In the Bundesliga, the North Germans have managed to win only one of their nine matches in 2025, losing touch with the upper third of the table. This leaves Werder as the worst-performing team in the new year.

Just four days after a humiliating exit from the DFB-Pokal at the hands of third-division team Arminia Bielefeld, Bremen displayed some effort but could not avert another setback. In front of 41,152 spectators, Patrick Wimmer scored both goals for Wolfsburg (6th minute and 48th minute), keeping the club on track for European competition following their bitter cup elimination in Leipzig. Mitchell Weiser’s goal (90th minute) came too late for the hosts.

Bremen remains Wolfsburg’s favorite opponent

Wolfsburg has historically found success against Bremen, achieving the most away victories (13) against them in Bundesliga history. Of the last five matches played at the Weserstadion, Wolfsburg has won four.

Early setback for Bremen

The match began with an immediate setback for the insecure Bremen side. With the very first chance, the visitors from Wolfsburg took the lead. After a corner kick, Werder goalkeeper Michael Zetterer struggled to manage the situation and was caught out of position. Wimmer took advantage of the confusion to score the opener for the Niedersachsen.

Bremen shows effort but lacks luck

A banner displayed at the Werder fan curve read, „Tear yourselves apart for the club,“ as the match kicked off. Following the embarrassing cup exit, the atmosphere at the Osterdeich was notably subdued, with the usual lively Weserstadion ambience absent.

Nevertheless, the Bremen players heeded their fans‘ call and fought back. The early goal did not deter coach Ole Werner’s team, which created several chances to equalize before halftime. However, André Silva (19th, 22nd minutes) and notably Jens Stage (29th minute) squandered good opportunities, leaving Werder trailing at the break once again.

Decisive moments in the second half

Werner made five changes to his lineup following the lifeless performance in Bielefeld. Unfortunately, he lacked options, as five players—Marco Friedl, Marvin Ducksch, Romano Schmid, Marco Grüll, and Justin Njinmah—were injured or unwell and could not play.

After a disappointing first half, Werder emerged with renewed energy from the locker room but soon conceded a critical second goal. Once again, it was Wimmer, who struck with a superb long-range shot. Bremen continued to press but failed to create enough clear-cut chances. In the final minute, Weiser managed to score a consolation goal, but it was not enough to change the outcome.