Point guarantee: Romano Schmid and Justin Njinmah (left) celebrate the late 2-2 draw in the duel with Leverkusen.
IMAGO/Nordphoto

Two big questions were asked before this Saturday evening game on Matchday 8: After more than 160 days without a home goal, would Bremen once again sound the fog horn along with the goal anthem “I would walk 500 miles” by the “Proclaimers”? Or would the Leverkusen champions, who are somewhat defensively vulnerable (13 goals conceded in seven games), hold tight?

The trend: Compared to the ultimately convincing 4-2 away win in Wolfsburg, Werder coach Ole Werner's starting eleven was only changed to one position (Pieper for Jung, who was put on the bench and not at 100 percent after adductor problems) was looking for things right from the start the way forward. And those coached by Palacios, Aleix Garcia, Hofmann and Schick couldn't cope with that.

Ducksch must be annoyed

The result: a first very good chance for Ducksch to finish, but after just a few seconds of play, he ended up too centrally in the arms of Hradecky-Orthodox. That should just be the beginning of an overall good Werder performance in the first 45 minutes. Because the North Germans pressed cleverly, presented the Werkself with tasks and also hardly allowed anything to happen defensively.

After Weiser's dream pass, the next highlight belonged to Ducksch again, who, after accepting it, decided to make a lob from 17 meters and lifted it directly into the arms of Hradecky (14th). Ducksch also despaired of the Bayer captain in the 19th minute when a shot that was actually suitable was parried aside. Weiser was also allowed to fire from the turn, but also missed (23').

Ice cold, ice cold, Leverkusen

The only accusation that Bremen could also make was the poor exploitation of opportunities.

The consequence: That was to take revenge because the strong Werder defense around captain Friedl gave two opportunities. In the first encounter with Boniface, who had returned to the starting line-up after a car accident and missing the premier class match, it was still too imprecise (3rd). In the 30th minute, however, the Nigerian took full advantage and gave an ice-cold Leverkusen a celebrated 1-0 half-time lead.

It's going to be turbulent: Ducksch, Agu, Schmidt and Wirtz

The reigning champions approached the second 45 minutes more focused – and with more pressure. While the defensive players, among other things, repeatedly boiled down a pressing Bittencourt, Wirtz scored the first chances. But failed here twice because of Zetterer (53'). The Werder goalkeeper was also in demand in the 55th minute when he deflected a blast from Bonifatius to the side and was later there to beat Wirtz (62'). Bremen had a shorter time in this phase than before the break, but showed themselves to be complacent in moments. Like in minutes 56, 67 and 69, when Ducksch fired too inaccurately and his master also found Hradecky.

But in the 74th minute the time had come – and SV Werder scored their first home goal after 161 days of goallessness in the Weserstadion (4-1 in the previous season against Bochum) thanks to Ducksch, who was spot on after Malatini's pass and headed against the direction of Hradecky. . The foghorn and the goal anthem “I would walk 500 miles” by the “Proclaimers” were allowed to sound. But that was just how the turbulent final minutes began: First of all, Agu scored an unfortunate own goal during this phase to make it 1-2 from SVW's perspective (78th), before Wirtz narrowly missed the decisive 3-1 with a famous bang against the post (84th). . This took revenge because Schmid broke cover again in the 90th minute and overcame the possibly surprised Hradecky – making the final score 2-2.

Werder Bremen gained further self-confidence at the end of this entertaining evening game, earned the point in the overall score – and will now face SC Paderborn in the DFB Cup on Wednesday at 6 p.m. (LIVE! on kicker). Leverkusen, who again conceded goals and missed the final chance through Wirtz (90+7), welcomed SV Elversberg on Tuesday at 6 p.m.