Stunning Niklas Beste strike extends Freiburg’s unbeaten home run as Werder Bremen lose again

Freiburg extended their unbeaten run at home to nine courtesy of Niklas Beste’s superb curling effort to keep his team’s European aspirations alive, as Werder Bremen’s winless streak stretched to 11 games in Daniel Thioune's debut in charge.

Freiburg 1-0 Werder Bremen
Goals: 1-0 Beste 13’ (assist: Matanović)
Sent off: Manzambi 52’

Thioune took charge of his first Bundesliga match as Bremen head coach, replacing Horst Steffen who was dismissed after a 1-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach extended Werder's winless run to 10 matches.

The visitors came to Freiburg searching for their first victory since November, while Julian Schuster's side were looking to maintain their impressive eight-match unbeaten run at the Europa-Park Stadion.

In a significant milestone, Matthias Ginter made his 400th Bundesliga appearance, becoming the 73rd player to reach this mark and one of the youngest to do so at just 32 years and 19 days old.

Freiburg have won three straight games at home. - DFL/Getty Images/Simon Hofmann

Beste punishes former club

Bremen made a promising start under their new coach, pressing high and creating the first meaningful chance of the game in the 12th minute. Justin Njinmah attempted an ambitious bicycle kick that forced Noah Atubolu into an excellent save.

The hosts responded immediately, striking with ruthless efficiency just moments later. Igor Matanović won a physical duel against Julián Malatini and played the ball out to Beste, who cut inside before curling a beautiful left-footed shot into the far corner past Mio Backhaus.

The Bremen defence had no answer to Beste's precise finish, which came against his former club.

Johan Manzambi was shown his second red card of the season. - IMAGO/Arne Amberg

About the players

19

Niklas

Beste

Sport-Club Freiburg

Red card changes match

The match's complexion changed dramatically seven minutes into the second half. Johan Manzambi slid in late on Olivier Deman, initially receiving a yellow card from referee Deniz Aytekin. However, after VAR intervention and reviewing the footage, Aytekin upgraded the punishment to a straight red card.

Schuster immediately reacted to going down to 10 men by bringing on Yuito Suzuki for Vincenzo Grifo. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the hosts nearly doubled their lead when Maximilian Eggestein fired just over the bar after an excellent passage of play.

Noah Atubolu was exceptional between the posts, making several crucial saves to preserve Freiburg's lead. - IMAGO/Grant Hubbs

Bremen pressure without reward

With the man advantage, Bremen began to dominate possession and territory. The visitors came close through Jens Stage's cross that Mbangula volleyed over from a promising position. As the match progressed, Bremen continued to probe the resolute Freiburg defence.

Noah Atubolu was increasingly called into action, making several crucial saves including important stops from Romano Schmid, Njinmah and Mbangula. Despite having 17 shots to Freiburg's five and dominating possession with 61%, Bremen simply couldn't find a way through the organised and determined home defence.

In the dying moments, Puertas delivered a dangerous corner which Keke Topp headed just over the bar, but Freiburg held firm to secure all three points and extend their impressive home run.

Daniel Thioune's tenure as Werder Bremen head coach ends in defeat. - DFL/Getty Images/Simon Hofmann

Man of the Match: Niklas Beste

The former Bremen player was the difference-maker with a superb finish for the only goal of the game. Beste showed excellent technique to cut inside and curl his shot past Backhaus with precision.

Beyond his goal, Beste worked tirelessly on the left flank until his substitution in the 68th minute, helping Freiburg maintain their shape after going down to ten men.

His first goal for Freiburg couldn't have come at a better time, or against a more fitting opponent.

Niklas Beste proved troublesome on the right flank for Freiburg throughout. - IMAGO/Grant Hubbs

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Freiburg 0.22 - Bremen 0.98
Fastest player: Bruno Ogbus (Freiburg), 33.96 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Niklas Beste (Freiburg), 6 percent
Most pressed player: Igor Matanović (Freiburg), 14 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Yukinari Sugawara (Bremen), +3.05

Fantasy Heroes: Noah Atubolu (Freiburg, 284 Points), Maximilian Eggestein (Freiburg, 204 Points), Igor Matanović (Freiburg, 199 Points)

About the clubs

Freiburg

Europa-Park Stadion

Werder Bremen

Weserstadion