Bremen survive but Frankfurt into play-off after Djilobodji's late winner

xwhatsappmailcopy-link

Papy Djilobodji’s late winner secured SV Werder Bremen’s Bundesliga survival on Matchday 34 by virtue of a 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, who themselves will now contest the relegation play-off.

SV Werder Bremen 1-0 Eintracht Frankfurt

Goals: 1-0 Djilobodji (88’)

Even with two changes to the team that beat Borussia Dortmund last week, Frankfurt began the better of the two sides. Änis Ben-Hatira’s powerful header drew a fine save from Felix Wiedwald in the second minute, while Makoto Hasebe also went close in the opening stages. Undeterred, however, Bremen grew into the game and took control after the 20-minute mark, with Claudio Pizarro almost capitalising on a defensive mix-up, before Zlatko Junuzovic shot over. Die Grün-Weißen continued to press aggressively prior to the interval, although the Frankfurt backline stood strong.

Bremen remained in control after the break, although failed to fashion any real clear-cut chances. Lukas Hradecky saved easily from a hopeful Pizarro flick, while Junuzovic fired his side’s one golden chance wide. In a now one-sided affair, substitute Özkan Yildirim’s powerful effort was then deflected to safety by the impressive Marco Russ in the closing stages, but Bremen refused to let their heads drop, and Djilobodji was on hand to turn Anthony Ujah’s cut-back over the line from close range with mere minutes remaining. For Werder and the sold-out Weser Stadium, the goal triggered scenes of jubilation, but for Frankfurt - who will now face 1. FC Nürnberg in a two-legged relegation play-off - there is nothing but trepidation.

- © gettyimages / Oliver Hardt
- © gettyimages / Oliver Hardt