Werder Bremen claim vital win in relegation scrap with Heidenheim

Daniel Thioune got his first win of his rein as Werder Bremen coach this afternoon, defeating Heidenheim 2-0.

In a big clash of the bottom of the Bundesliga table, Werder Bremen secured a vital 2-0 win over 1.FC Heidenheim this afternoon. Jovan Milosevic’s strike and a Hannes Behrens own-goal gave Daniel Thioune his first victory as Bremen coach.

The hosts controlled large swathes of possession in the initial exchanges but didn’t fire a real warning sign until the 19th-minute. Romano Schmid crossed from the right but Stage couldn’t get the better of Frank Feller deputising for the injured Diant Ramaj.

Shortly before the half-hour, Bremen appeared to take the lead. Oliver Deman’s intended pass to Jovan Milosevic came back to the Belgian full-back. He tucked it into the empty net, however VAR claimed Milosevic was obstructing Feller’s vision. 

The Serbian’s luck appeared out as he failed to convert a gilt-edged chance created by Schmid. The latter had a huge opportunity of his own before the break. He rounded Feller and struck his initial shot off the post while he scuffed the rebound into the side-netting. 

Barring slight chances for Ibrahimovic and Traoré, Heidenheim looked blunt in attack. As a result, Frank Schmidt swapped out Niehues for Stefan Schimmer at half-time. The latter came close to an instant impact, firing past the post from an acute angle. 

The breakthrough eventually came before the hour. A story of redemption for Milosevic ensued, latching onto Schmid’s cross to find the bottom-right corner. The pressure started to mount on Heidenheim thereafter, requiring attacking changes to turn the tide. 

Marvin Pieringer, Adrian Beck and Mathias Honsak in the hope of finding inroads for the visitors. Ultimatey, Bremen put the game to rest as Justin Njinmah’s deflected effort rebounded to the net off Behrens, giving the hosts a first win since November.