The 107th Norderby between Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV ended goalless in front of the not quite sold-out Volksparkstadion. A result that reflects the performance, as Werder’s wait for a first Bundesliga win of the season continues.
The 107th Norderby between Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV ended goalless in front of the not quite sold-out Volksparkstadion. A result that reflects the performance, as Werder’s wait for a first Bundesliga win of the season continues.
Alexander Nouri made just one change to the team that played out the goalless draw at home to SC Freiburg last weekend. Augustinsson sat out of the final training session on Friday with a knee injury and was therefore replaced by Ulisses Garcia in the starting XI. The Nordderby came too soon for Sané, meaning Moisander, Veljkovic and Bauer started as a back three once again, with Gebre Selassie at right wing back. Delaney and Kainz paired up in midfield behind Bargfrede. Belfodil and Bartels led the line up top. Good news for all Werder fans: Zlatko Junuzovic returned to the bench for the first time this season.
9th minute: Following a dominant opening phase from Werder, the Green-Whites register the first good chance of the match. Delaney heads goalwards from Kainz’s free kick and Mathenia has trouble clearing. Belfodil snatches at the rebound, but can’t find a green shirt with his back heel.
12th minute: Werder continue to enjoy the lion’s share of possession and are winning the majority of challenges. Belfodil heads over from a corner.
24th minute: HSV have found their way into the game, particular down the left-hand side where they are threatening through youngster Ito. Pavlenka is forced to make a good save from Sakai’s long-distance effort, before several Werder defenders rush to block Ito’s strike.
28th minute: That was close! Hunt’s corner arrives at the edge of the box, where Sakai is waiting to hit a powerful volley towards goal. Fortunately it flies a whisker away from Pavlenka’s post.
30th minute: Werder are slowly starting to lose their focus and HSV look like they may score. Hunt has a chance from ten yards out, but fortunately he’s on his weaker foot and fired high and wide.
55th minute: Kainz whips in a free kick from deep and HSV struggle to clear. The Austrian charges into the box and attacks the ball on the volley, but he fires over.
64th minute: Nouri decides to change things up: Maximilian Eggestein comes on for Philipp Bargfrede and Zlatko Junuzovic makes his long-awaited return.
72th minute: Almost an instant impact from Juno! He sets up Bartels with a backheel who forces a reflex save from Mathenia. Gebre Selassie’s follow-up strike hits the side netting.
79th minute: Pavlenka, comfortably the best man on the pitch, saves brilliantly Aaron Hunt.
Summary: The 107th Nordderby ends without a winner – deservedly so. After a dominant start for Werder, HSV took control of the match and created significantly more chances. Poor finishing and Pavlenka heroics ensured a second clean sheet of the season. Junuzovic’s introduction in the second half gave Werder a boost, but we were still lacking impetus in attack.
