On August 26, 2017, Werder Bremen faced Bayern Munich in a Bundesliga match at the Weserstadion in Bremen, Germany. Bayern Munich secured a 2-0 victory, thanks to a late brace from Robert Lewandowski, continuing their strong start to the season.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Werder Bremen: 0
- Bayern Munich: 2 (Robert Lewandowski 72′, 75′)
- Possession:
- Bayern Munich dominated possession with 72%, while Werder Bremen had 28%. Bayern’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the pace of the match, though it took them time to break down Bremen’s defense.
- Shots:
- Bayern Munich registered 20 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their attacking intent and persistence throughout the match. Werder Bremen managed 4 shots, with 1 on target, struggling to create clear chances against Bayern’s solid defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Bayern Munich had a passing accuracy of 89%, completing 676 passes out of 757 attempts. Werder Bremen had a passing accuracy of 72%, completing 179 passes out of 248 attempts. Bayern’s superior passing numbers underscored their dominance in ball retention and ability to control the tempo.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Werder Bremen made 23 tackles compared to Bayern Munich’s 9, showcasing Bremen’s defensive efforts to disrupt Bayern’s attacking play. Bayern’s defense, led by Mats Hummels and Jérôme Boateng, effectively neutralized Bremen’s attacking threats.
- Set Pieces:
- Bayern Munich’s goals came from open play. The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when Robert Lewandowski scored with a clever flick after a low cross from Kingsley Coman. Just three minutes later, Lewandowski doubled Bayern’s lead with a brilliant individual effort, dribbling past several Bremen defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka.
- Individual Performances:
- Robert Lewandowski was the standout performer for Bayern Munich, scoring both goals and showcasing his clinical finishing and ability to change the game in an instant. Kingsley Coman was also influential, providing the assist for the opening goal and using his pace to trouble Bremen’s defense. For Werder Bremen, goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka made several important saves to keep his team in the game for as long as possible.
- Tactical Overview:
- Bayern Munich, under Carlo Ancelotti, employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and utilizing the width provided by wingers to stretch Bremen’s defense. Werder Bremen, managed by Alexander Nouri, used a 3-5-2 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and looking to hit Bayern on the counter-attack. However, Bayern’s dominance in possession and patience in breaking down Bremen’s defense were key to their eventual success.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for Werder Bremen (Niklas Moisander 55′, Thomas Delaney 64′). The fouls were tactical, aimed at disrupting Bayern’s play and preventing them from gaining further momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Bayern Munich won 7 corners compared to Werder Bremen’s 1, reflecting their sustained pressure in the attacking third. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to break through the opposition’s defensive lines.
Summary
Bayern Munich’s 2-0 victory over Werder Bremen was a result of patience and persistence, as the defending champions eventually broke down a resilient Bremen side thanks to a late brace from Robert Lewandowski. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Bayern found it difficult to penetrate Bremen’s defense until the final 20 minutes of the match.
Lewandowski’s two goals in quick succession demonstrated his quality and importance to Bayern’s attack, turning a potentially frustrating afternoon into a comfortable win. Kingsley Coman also played a key role, using his pace and dribbling ability to create the opening goal.
Werder Bremen, despite their defensive efforts and a solid performance from goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka, were ultimately unable to contain Bayern’s relentless pressure. The defeat highlighted the gap in quality between the two sides, with Bremen struggling to create meaningful chances against a well-organized Bayern defense.
The victory kept Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table early in the season, while Werder Bremen were left to reflect on a game in which they defended valiantly but were ultimately outclassed by the reigning champions.
