It's the highlight of
SV Werder Bremen's pre-season: This Sunday, the Green-Whites will host none
other than five-time English champions Chelsea FC in the Weser Stadium. For
Chelsea the Premier League season will kick-off in eight days following their
friendly with SVW.
Two days before Werder will go into their third and final training camp a special task awaits them in the Weser Stadium. In Claudio Pizarro Bremen have a former Chelsea player, as the Peruvian striker linked up with the Blues in 2007 from FC Bayern and even managed to score a goal during his Premier League debut. However, in the following 31 appearances for the club he only bagged one more goal and returned to Bremen in 2008 on loan before eventually signing a permanent deal.
The last time these two sides played a friendly was nearly exactly two years ago. On the "day of the fans" the Green-Whites recorded an impressive 3-0 win over José Mourinho's side and provided the fans with a truly special memory.
But the two clubs haven't only competed in friendly games, but instead have produced some thrilling encounters on the international stage. In the 2006/07 Champions League season they were drawn into the same group. Werder was putting up a strong fight at the Stamford Bridge and closing in on the equaliser at the start of the second half. Even then manager Mourinho admitted: "Werder was the better side for 20 minutes, then we got the penalty," which Germany international Michael Ballack converted for the Blues.
In the return leg at home Werder rewarded themselves for a great performance. Per Mertesacker's first half header was followed by a superb defensive display as SVW held on to claim a 1-0 victory.
