SV Werder Bremen were narrowly defeated 2-1 in their biggest game of pre-season by FC Valencia. The Spanish side took the lead with a delightful free-kick. Werder were compact defensively and gave their opponents few chances in the first half, while creating some of their own. Max Kruse eventually scored the deserved equaliser in the 74th minute but a defensive mix-up allowed the visitors to grab the winning goal.
Line up and formation: Head coach Alexander Nouri chose a 3-5-2 formation with Veljkovic, Sané and bauer as a back three supported by Gebre Selassie on the right and Augustinsson on the left. The midfield three consisted of Thomas Delaney, Maximilian Eggestein and Jerome Gondorf with Kruse and Kainz upfront.
6th minute: A free-kick in a good position for Werder. Kainz curls the ball towards the goals but it’s turned behind by Jaume for a corner. Shortly before, Parejo hit the side-netting with a free-kick.
20th minute: Goal for Valencia. This time, the net bulges. With his second attempt, Parejo hits a free-kick into the back of the net and puts the guests into the lead.
33rd minute: More than half an hour gone and both teams look dangerous. In the stands, a Mexican wave takes place in the Weserstadion.
41st minute: A Valencia defender’s leg prevents an equaliser after Augustinsson connects with Gebre Selassie’s cross!
45th minute: At the halfway stage, Valencia have been the most dangerous but Werder have had good passages of play without being able to create clear-cut chances.
48th minute: Two Valencia players prevent Kruse from getting the equaliser after nice work by Kainz.
74th minute: Equaliser for Bremen! Fin Bartels uses his speed to sidestep the defenders in his way and plays a low cross to Kruse who finished from close range.
84th minute: Goal for Valencia. A preventable goal gives the Spanish side victory. Sané plays Zetterer into trouble. Zetterer fails to clear the ball from the penalty area. Lato is in the right place at the right time to finish.
90th minute: The referee calls the match and the Werder fans’ day to a close with the final scorrre 2-1 to Valencia. The Spanish side were the more dangerous in the first half but Werder raised the tempo and their game in the second half to get a deserved leveller. However, a mistake at the back cost Werder the game.
Alexander Nouri: “Today was a good test against solid opposition. The manner of our performance pleased me but the result didn’t. Until the free kick, we didn’t let anything get through our defence but then we simply have to take our chances down the other end.”
Gondorf: “The goals won’t fall like that every weekend. We were compact and can be happy with our performance. I definitely think we’re ready for the start of the season.”
Kruse: “From next week, it’s results that count but today other things are more important. We’re still in pre-season and have to test ourselves as much as we can. After six intensive weeks of training, we’re looking forward to the season’s opening.”
Kainz: “We’re satisfied with our performance. We created chance but the result was unfortunate. We’re heading in the right direction. It was my first game upfront but I try to be adaptable so I can play in any position for the team.”
SV Werder Bremen: Pavlenka (61‘, Zetterer) – Bauer (61‘, Garcia), Sané, Veljkovic – Gebre Selassie, Gondorf, M. Eggestein (61‘, Bargfrede), Delaney (61‘, Bartels), Augustinsson (61‘, Caldirola) – Kainz (81‘, J. Eggestein), Kruse
FC Valencia: Jaume (46‘, Neto) – Gaya, Jimenez, Vezo, Montoya (61, Nacho Vidal) – Medran, Cancelo (Nacho Gil) – Zaza (61‘, Nando), Machado, Parejo – Soler (61‘, Mina)
Goals: 0-1 Parejo (20’), 1-1 Kruse (74’), 1-2 Lato (84’)
Referee: Arne Aarning
Attendance: 23,892
