Frankfurt return to winning ways against Bremen
Eintracht Frankfurt recorded a first win in seven games by beating fellow strugglers SV Werder Bremen 2-1 at the Commerzbank Arena on Matchday 17.
Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 SV Werder Bremen
Goals: 0-1 Pizarro (29’); 1-1 Meier (31’); 2-1 Aigner (48’)
Opting to make no changes to the side that recorded a DFB Cup victory in Mönchengladbach in midweek, Bremen began confidently, belying their recent slide down the standings. Die Grün-Weißen enjoyed the better of an open start to proceedings, with Levin Öztunali and Claudio Pizarro both threatening. Anthony Ujah was next to come close, before the veteran Pizarro made no mistake from the edge of the box, sending an unstoppable half-volley past Lukas Hradecky.
The hosts, however, were quick to respond and Alexander Meier duly nodded in his seventh goal of the season to level the scores from Frankfurt’s best attack of the half two minutes later. As if reminded of their defensive frailties, both sides sat deeper and as a result chances became more difficult to come by as the break approached.
Such a state of affairs lasted until three minutes after the break, when Haris Seferovic cut out a clearance before picking out Stefan Aigner, who awkwardly converted to complete the turnaround. Although Ujah shot wide soon after, it was Frankfurt who remained in control after taking the lead, Seferovic chipping over with Wiedwald stranded and Meier also heading wide. Well-organised defensively, the hosts proceeded to close the game out with the minimum of fuss to ensure an up-and-down 2015 ended on a high note.
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Man of the match
Aigner’s attacking energy was crucial in Frankfurt recording a first win since Matchday 10. The 28-year-old never stopped harassing Bremen’s porous backline and got his reward when he poked home the winner early in the second period.
Talking point
Despite the presence of plenty of young bucks it was a game for the veterans at the Commerzbank Arena. Meier and Pizarro stole the show, displaying all the nous accumulated over a combined 69 years. The Peruvian’s opener was a quite brilliant effort, while Meier’s header showcased superb late movement.
Match stats
- Aigner’s winner ended his run of 20 league games without scoring – the longest of his career.Frankfurt also came from behind for their only win in the last 12 games (2-1 at Hannover 96 on Matchday 10).Both of Pizarro’s Bundesliga goals since his summer return to Bremen have come on the road.Meier has scored six of his seven goals at home this term.
Line-ups
Frankfurt: Hradecky - Oczipka, Abraham, Russ, Ignjovski - Stendera, Hasebe – Kadlec (Gacinovic, 36’, Djakpa, 90’), Seferovic - Meier (c), Aigner
Bremen: Wiedwald – Gebre Selassie, Lukimya, Vestergaard, Sternberg – Bargfrede (U. Garcia, 65’), Fritz (c) (Lorenzen, 88’), Öztunali, Grillitsch (Bartels, 70’) - Pizarro, Ujah