The 24th round of the Bundesliga brought an end to Werder Bremen's dreadful run, as they defeated Heidenheim after thirteen matches without a win. At the top of the table, Bayer Leverkusen salvaged a last-gasp draw against Mainz, but dropped precious points in the fight for the highest goals. Important wins in the relegation battle were also secured by St. Pauli and Borussia Mönchengladbach, who defeated Union Berlin with a goal deep into stoppage time.

End of Werder's Dismal Streak

Werder Bremen won their first match after thirteen games without a victory, defeating a direct rival in the table.

Union's Drama in Stoppage Time

Borussia Mönchengladbach defeated the team from Berlin 1-0 with a goal in the 96th minute of the match.

Leverkusen Drops Points

Bayer Leverkusen salvaged a 1-1 draw with Mainz, but their gap to the leader could increase after this round.

Saturday's action in the German top flight was dominated by the fight for survival, with Werder Bremen fans having the most to cheer about. The team under coach Ole Thioune won the so-called "life-or-death match" against Heidenheim, thus ending a dismal streak of thirteen winless competitive matches. This first league win for the River Islanders in over three months became a reality thanks to the team's determination, which responded to the mobilization from their fans. This success allowed the club from the Weserstadion to send a clear signal to their rivals in the battle to avoid relegation. Werder Bremen is one of the most decorated German clubs, having won the German championship four times in its history, and experienced a painful, albeit brief, relegation to the second division in 2021. The match in Mönchengladbach was equally thrilling, where the local Borussia ended their own crisis at the expense of Union Berlin. The match was decided right at the death when Jordan Diks scored the winning goal deep into stoppage time. The match was marked by controversies related to the VAR system, which after a lengthy review confirmed the goal for the hosts, frustrating the team from the capital. Union, despite a spirited performance and lineup changes forced by injuries, leaves the Rhineland without any points, complicating their situation in the table. The newly-promoted side St. Pauli caused a surprise by defeating Hoffenheim away, strengthening their position in the relegation battle. Meanwhile, in Leverkusen, the current German champions Bayer fought a dramatic battle with FSV Mainz. Although the team from Mainz led and was close to causing a major upset, Leverkusen managed to equalize in the final minutes, salvaging a point. The style of play under Xabi Alonso's charges is rarely as predictable as in this clash, which experts attribute to accumulated fatigue and the injury to Arthur, who had to leave the pitch. This draw could have crucial implications for the balance of power at the top of the table. „Dieser Sieg ist für uns wie eine Erlösung. Die Mannschaft hat im wichtigsten Moment der Saison Charakter gezeigt.” (This victory is like a redemption for us. The team showed character at the most important moment of the season.) — Ole Thioune

Mentioned People

  • Ole Thioune — Coach of Werder Bremen, who led the team to a breakthrough victory over Heidenheim.
  • Jordan Diks — Scorer of the decisive goal for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the match against Union Berlin.