In a thrilling Bundesliga encounter at the Stadion „Platz 11“, the women of SV Werder Bremen secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Carl Zeiss Jena on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This win not only bolstered their position in the league but also put them on the brink of breaking their own record for points in a season.
The match kicked off with both teams eager to make their mark. Werder Bremen, under the guidance of coach Thomas Horsch, aimed to capitalize on their recent form, having won their last match against SGS Essen 1-0 just before the Easter break. They were also looking to secure at least 29 points this season, which would surpass their previous record of 28 points.
Despite a slow start, the Werder women found their rhythm as the game progressed. Initially, Jena appeared to be the more alert team, with quick interceptions and solid defensive organization. However, it was Werder who broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion.
In the 39th minute, Larissa Mühlhaus delivered a moment of magic that will be talked about for ages—a breathtaking bicycle kick that soared over Jena's goalkeeper, giving Werder a 1-0 lead. This "traumhaftes Fallrückzieher-Tor" (dreamlike bicycle kick goal) was the highlight of the match and came after a well-placed corner from the right side.
As the first half came to a close, Werder led 1-0, a scoreline that reflected their growing dominance in the match. Coach Horsch’s side had begun to assert themselves, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
After the break, Werder continued to press and doubled their lead in the 87th minute. Matheis, showing great composure, found the back of the net to make it 2-0. Just two minutes later, Papai sealed the victory with a clinical finish in the 89th minute, completing a swift counterattack and bringing the score to 3-0.
Throughout the match, Werder's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Livia Peng, was resolute. They faced a few challenges from Jena, particularly when Jaron had a clear opportunity in the 51st minute, but Peng was equal to the task, making a crucial save to maintain her clean sheet.
In terms of substitutions, Werder made a notable double change in the 72nd minute, bringing on Arfaoui and Beck, who made her comeback after a long injury layoff due to a torn ACL. This was a heartwarming moment for the team and its supporters, as Beck's presence on the pitch marked a significant milestone in her recovery.
As the final whistle blew, the score stood at 3-0, a result that many felt was a fair reflection of the game. The victory not only showcased Werder's attacking capabilities but also highlighted their defensive solidity. With this win, they now sit poised to break their points record, needing just two more points from their remaining matches.
Post-match, coach Thomas Horsch expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "Unser voller Fokus liegt komplett auf Jena. Neben dem Highlight des Pokalspiels haben wir immer noch auf dem Zettel, die beste Saison der Vereinsgeschichte zu spielen. Dafür brauchen wir mindestens 29 Punkte und wollen zudem noch den siebten Platz erreichen. Von daher erlebe ich die Mannschaft sehr engagiert, natürlich will sich auch jeder über Einsatzzeiten gegen Jena für das Finale empfehlen." This sentiment resonated with the players, who are clearly motivated to finish the season strong.
Meanwhile, Carl Zeiss Jena, coached by Florian Kästner, had shown promise in their recent matches, having secured seven points in their last three games. However, they struggled to find their footing against a well-drilled Werder side. Jena’s defensive lapses were costly, and they will need to regroup ahead of their next fixtures.
As the Bundesliga season approaches its climax, the Werder women will be looking to carry this momentum into their upcoming matches. With a DFB-Pokal-Finale against FC Bayern looming on May 1, 2025, the stakes are high, and the team is eager to make history.
This match serves as a reminder of the thrilling nature of women's football, where skill, determination, and moments of brilliance can turn the tide in an instant. For Werder Bremen, the journey continues, and fans will be eagerly watching as they chase both league success and cup glory.
