SV Werder Bremen recorded an 8-1 friendly match victory at Kickers Emden. Aaron Johannsson had already claimed a first-half hat-trick with Lennart Thy on target twice in the opening 45 minutes. Roughly 3,000 spectators in Emden saw Johannsson raise his tally to five in the second half, leading Werder to a clear victory.
Line-up: Werder manager Viktor Skripnik was forced to replace a number of national team players, but was still able to call on several regulars in his starting formation. Ahead of keeper Felix Wiedwald, Luca Caldirola and Lukas Fröde formed the central defence, while Janek Sternberg and Robert Bauer started as full backs. Skipper Clemens Fritz and Maximilian Eggestein pulled the strings in midfield. The only U23 side player in Werder's team was Thore Jacobsen in attacking midfield. Lennart Thy and Fin Bartels occupied the wings, while Aaron Johannsson led the line.
7th minute: Werder take the lead! Clemens Fritz tee's up Lennart Thy with a great touch and the attacker slots home. An early lead for SVW.
14th and 16th minute: Brace by Aaron Johannsson! First, the Werder striker bags a goal from the rebound of Clemens Fritz' attempt and two minutes later he converts from a Thore Jacobsen cross. Certainly a confidence boost for him as Werder go 3-0 ahead.
33rd minute: Emden pulls one back. The sixth division side scores from Sebastian Blöm's effort from the edge of the area.
36th minute: Fin Bartels restores Werder’s three goal advantage. The winger makes a good run and curls the ball into the far corner.
39th and 42nd minute: Thy and Johannsson add to their goal-tallies. First, Johannsson assists his team mate for the brace and three minutes later Bartels provides an unmarked Johannsson with the assist as Werder take a 6-1 lead at half time.
84th and 89th minute: Johannsson with his fourth and fifth strike. Substitute and U23 side player Jasper Verlaat serves Johannsson for his fourth goal and a short while later the American fired home his final goal of the night.
90th minute: Full time in Emden. The Green-Whites secure a comfortable 8-1 victory over lower league side Kickers Emden.
Verdict: A successful friendly for Werder. Particularly their attacking players around Aaron Johannsson will have gathered confidence for the first league home game against FC Augsburg next weekend. In Thore Jacobsen a Werder U23 player also managed to display his skills.
Viktor Skripnik on Aaron Johannsson: "He did a great job, even though you could see that he was tired at the end. I'm happy for him."
Aaron Johannsson: "Playing the full 90 minutes was more important for me than scoring five goals. I'm very happy and I'm feeling well. Of course I'm tired now, but that's normal after such a long injury spell. The goals will give me confidence. Hopefully it will work out in the Bundesliga now as well."
