Claudio Pizarro celebrated (c.) his third SV Werder Bremen debut with a 3-1 win over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - © © imago / 21067994
Claudio Pizarro celebrated (c.) his third SV Werder Bremen debut with a 3-1 win over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - © © imago / 21067994

Bremen late show downs Hoffenheim on Pizarro's return

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Sinsheim - Two injury-time goals helped SV Werder Bremen to a 3-1 win over TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

Without a win all season, Hoffenheim almost fell behind inside eight minutes when Bremen and USMNT striker Aron Johannsson sent a free header wide of Oliver Baumann’s goal. Assani Lukimya glanced over from another set piece in the 19th minute, before dead-ball expert Zlatko Junuzovic curled a teasing effort narrowly wide of the far post. Hoffenheim failed to heed the handful of warnings and fell behind on the stroke of half time when Junuzovic calmly tucked away Anthony Ujah’s inadvertent assist.

Second best in the first period, Hoffenheim emerged from the dressing room after half time with renewed intent. The introduction of Eduardo Vargas paid immediate dividends, with the Chile international slotting his first Bundesliga goal through the legs of Felix Wiedwald to bring the home side level in the 49th minute.

With Hoffenheim enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Viktor Skripnik turned to the Bundesliga’s all-time leading goalscorer Claudio Pizarro for inspiration. The former FC Bayern forward showed great determination to tee up Ujah for his second of the season in the first minute of injury time, with Junuzovic wrapping up the points from the tightest of angles moments later.