Marco Grüll scores brace in Bremen's comfortable 4-1 victory over Union Berlin
Marco Grüll scored twice as Werder Bremen ended 2024 with a commanding 4-1 victory against Union Berlin to make it three league wins in a row.
Bremen 4-1 Union
Goals: 1-0 Grüll 13’ (assist: Schmid), 2-0 Grüll 17’ (assist: Köhn), 2-1 Schäfer 23’ (assist: Rothe), 3-1 Weiser 45’ (assist: Köhn), 4-1 Stage 87’ (assist: Ducksch)
Both teams entered the match with contrasting forms, with Bremen riding high on a wave of recent successes and Union winless since 20 October. The Green-Whites, under the guidance of Ole Werner, were eager to continue their impressive run, having secured victories in their last three outings across all competitions. Union, led by Bo Svensson, were desperate to snap their seven-game winless streak in the league.
Grüll's double delight
The match exploded into life in the 13th minute when Grüll opened the scoring for Bremen. The Austrian rose highest to meet compatriot Romano Schmid's pinpoint cross, powering a header into the bottom corner. Before Union could catch their breath, Grüll struck again just four minutes later. This time, it was Derrick Köhn who provided the assist, setting up Grüll for a clinical finish that left Alexander Schwolow with no chance.
Union's brief resurgence
Just as it seemed Bremen might run away with the match, the visitors showed their resilience. In the 23rd minute, András Schäfer breathed life back into the contest with a superbly taken goal. The Hungarian midfielder latched onto a cross from his teammate Tom Rothe and volleyed home from close range, reducing the deficit and giving the visitors a glimmer of hope.
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Bremen reassert dominance
Any thoughts of a Union comeback were dashed on the stroke of half-time. Mitchell Weiser capped off a flowing Bremen move, turning home Köhn's low cross to restore the two-goal cushion. The goal was a testament to Bremen's attacking prowess and left Union with a mountain to climb in the second half.
The second period saw Union trying desperately to find a way back into the match. They enjoyed more possession and created several half-chances, but Bremen's defence held firm. The home side seemed content to sit back and hit on the counter, a strategy that proved effective in neutralising Union's attacks. Despite the efforts of substitutes like Tim Skarke and Josip Juranovic, Union struggled to break down a well-organised Bremen backline.
Stage seals the deal
As the match entered its final stages, Bremen delivered the coup de grâce. In the 87th minute, Jens Stage put the result beyond doubt, finishing off a slick team move to make it 4-1. The goal was the perfect encapsulation of Bremen's performance – clinical, confident, and devastating on the counter-attack. It left Union deflated and ensured that the home fans could celebrate a comprehensive victory.
Player of the Match: Derrick Köhn
Köhn was the standout performer in Bremen's impressive victory. The left-back was a constant threat down the flank, providing two assists and contributing significantly to Bremen's attacking play. Köhn's ability to escape pressure was particularly noteworthy, successfully evading 90 percent of the pressure situations he faced. His defensive work was equally impressive, helping to nullify Union's attacking threats and maintain Bremen's control of the match.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bremen 2.58 - Union Berlin 1.49
Fastest player: Romano Schmid (SVW), 33.68 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by Marco Grüll (SVW), 13.98 percent
Most pressed player: Benedict Hollerbach (FCU), 29 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Michael Zetterer (SVW), +0.86
Fantasy Heroes: Mitchell Weiser (Werder Bremen, 320 Points), Marco Grüll (Werder Bremen, 288 Points), Derrick Köhn (Werder Bremen, 275 Points)
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