Werder Bremen’s performance in the second half of this season has been nothing short of stellar. The North German club has taken 29 points of a possible 33 in their last 11 Bundesliga fixtures. On Saturday, they defeated Hertha Berlin 2-0 to move within one point of fifth place, and they are currently in a position to qualify for the Europa League.
The Turnaround
Werder Bremen were very disappointing in the first half of the season as they only won four matches before the winter break. Their poor form translated over into the second half of the season as they lost their first four matches after returning from the break. However, after a 1-0 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach in mid-February, this incredible run of form began.
They went on to win three straight matches after the loss to Mönchengladbach as they moved themselves well clear of the relegation places in the table. They kept going, and since mid-February, they have yet to lose a match. A couple of massive victories have come from this incredible run, including 3-0 wins over RB Leipzig and Schalke and five clean sheets.
Kruse Ignites Werder Bremen Attack
Max Kruse has played a big role in his team’s success. The German has netted 12 of his 14 goals this season in the second half of the season, which included four goals against Ingolstadt.
Fin Bartels and Zlatko Junuzovic have also played big roles in the success of the club, as well as Thomas Delaney, who is turning out to be a fantastic signing. The midfield on the whole has been very impressive and is currently one of the best units in the German top flight.
Defensively, the team’s performances in the first and second halves of the season have been like night and day. On matchday 20, Werder had a goal difference of -18; eleven matches later, their goal difference is positive. During this unbeaten run, they’ve only conceded nine times.
Looking Ahead
With only three fixtures remaining for Werder, the unbeaten run will be tested as they must face FC Köln, Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund. All three of these clubs are in the top half of the table, with Hoffenheim and Dortmund occupying places in the top five.
Regardless of whether they can continue the unbeaten run, it has been an incredible turnaround for a club which had previously spent most of the season flirting with relegation. A season that almost turned into a disaster has proven to be one supporters will remember for years to come.
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