Werder Bremen secured a crucial 1-0 away win against Bochum, with Jens Stage's 56th-minute header proving the difference in a tightly contested Bundesliga clash.

Bochum 0–1 Werder Bremen
Goals: 0-1 Stage 57‘ (assist: Ducksch)

In a crucial Bundesliga clash at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, Bochum hosted Bremen with both sides eager to improve their league positions. Dieter Hecking's Bochum, desperate to climb off the bottom of the table, faced a Bremen side looking to distance themselves from the relegation battle. The match promised to be a tense affair, with Bremen's away form pitted against Bochum's determination to secure their first win of the season.

Bochum made sure Bremen had to work hard for their victory. - Dean Mouhtaropoulos

First-half stalemate

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Bremen's Justin Njinmah came close in the 22nd minute, narrowly missing the target with a brilliant volley. The hosts' best chance fell to Gerrit Holtmann in the 26th minute, but his effort was well saved by Michael Zetterer. The half ended goalless, with Bochum slightly edging the contest in terms of chances created. 

Bochum ended the first-half well, and can disappointed not to have got a goal before the break. - IMAGO/Tim Rehbein/RHR-FOTO

About the players

6

Jens Dalsgaard

Stage

SV Werder Bremen

Want more Bundesliga Action?

GET THE UPDATES!

Stage breaks the deadlock

Bochum started the second half with renewed vigour, creating several opportunities and putting Bremen under pressure. Wittek came agonisingly close in the 50th minute, his sliding effort just missing the target. However, against the run of play, it was Bremen who struck first. In the 56th minute, Stage rose highest to meet a corner from Marvin Ducksch, powering a header past Patrick Drewes to give the visitors the lead.

Jens Stage opened the scoring with a powerful header. - Dean Mouhtaropoulos

Bremen hold firm

The goal seemed to knock the wind out of Bochum's sails, as they struggled to regain their earlier momentum. Bremen, buoyed by their lead, defended resolutely, with Niklas Stark and Marco Friedl playing key roles in the backline. Bochum's attempts to equalise grew increasingly desperate as the match wore on. Despite introducing fresh legs, the hosts couldn't find a way through Bremen's well-organised defence. The visitors managed the game expertly in the closing stages, securing a vital away victory.

Gerrit Holtmann was unable to find a way through a stubborn Bremen backline. - IMAGO/Ralf Treese/DeFodi Images

Player of the Match: Jens Stage

Stage's match-winning performance exemplified his growing importance to Werder. The Danish midfielder not only scored the decisive goal but also contributed significantly in both attack and defence. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions disrupted Bochum's rhythm, while his well-timed runs into the box posed a constant threat. Stage's header for the goal showcased his aerial prowess and knack for being in the right place at the right time. This performance, capped by his sixth goal of the season, further cements his status as a key player for Bremen.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bochum 1.65 - Bremen 0.86
Fastest player: Tim Oermann (Bochum), 34.26 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Jens Stage (Bremen), 31 percent
Most pressed player: Gerrit Holtmann (Bochum), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Romano Schmid (Bremen), +3.48

Fantasy Heroes: Jens Stage (Bremen, 281 Points), Bernardo (Bochum , 257 Points), Mitchell Weiser (Bremen, 172 Points)

About the clubs

VfL Bochum 1848

Vonovia Ruhrstadion

SV Werder Bremen

Weserstadion