In a game that could have easily gone the other way, Werder had goalkeeper Mio Backhouse to thank for keeping them in the game. The goalkeeper produced a series of fine saves to keep a clean sheet before Njinma’s decisive moment put Daniel Thiouen’s side seven points clear of the automatic relegation zone.
Wolfsburg got off to a brighter start, dominating possession and looking for quick and direct attacks, fully aware that three points were crucial. Werder nonetheless created the first clear-cut chance when Kamil Grabara brilliantly saved Cameron Puertas’ free-kick on the edge of the area.
advertise
The organizers responded quickly. Jonas Wind fired in from the corner but Backhaus did the same, making a superb save from a low shot to set the tone for his afternoon. The Werder goalkeeper continued to frustrate Wolfsburg, first denying Christian Eriksen’s free-kick and then heading over the crossbar with a superb fingertip stop in stoppage time to ensure the sides were level at half-time.
A similar situation unfolded in the second half, with Wolfsburg pressing hard and Backhouse launching attacks multiple times. Just four minutes after the restart, Joakim Mahler’s low shot forced another big save from Bremen’s number one.
Mohamed Amula then squandered a great chance on the hour when his shot was dragged outside from a tight angle – a mistake that proved costly. Seven minutes later, Werder broke the rhythm of the game. Felix Agu broke down the right and cut the ball back to Justin Njinma, who fired the ball accurately into the corner past the helpless Grabara.
Wolfsburg pressed for a response but found Bremen’s defense resolute, with Backhouse continuing to inspire those in front of him. Their task became even more difficult when Moritz Jenz was shown a second yellow card, leaving the home side down to ten men.
From that point on, Werder watched the game expertly and secured three priceless points, while Wolfsburg fell into deeper trouble and are now six points from safety.