Bundesliga Preview: Werder Bremen Eager to Secure Points at Home, Borussia Dortmund Relaunches Attack-minded Football

On the evening of August 31st at 21:30, the second round of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season will see Werder Bremen host Borussia Dortmund. In the first round, Bremen drew away with Augsburg. Borussia Dortmund defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 at home. After the first round, Dortmund temporarily sits in second place on the league table, while Bremen is in eighth. Both teams scored two goals in their opening games, demonstrating a good spirit and offensive momentum. If Dortmund can defeat Bremen at home, the Black and Yellows have a chance to temporarily take the top spot on the league table.

Werder Bremen made few moves this summer, the biggest being the signing of midfielder Albero from Lyon for €4.75 million, while also letting go of right winger Dingqi. Judging from their transfer activities, Bremen’s combat strength has not increased or decreased significantly, and the core system of the team has remained intact. The performance in the first game continued the style of last season, scoring plenty of goals but also conceding without hesitation. Bremen’s ability to consistently remain in the mid-table of the Bundesliga over the past few seasons relies on this all-out attacking and defensive strategy.

This summer window, Borussia Dortmund was very busy, making significant gains through transfers. They spent €28.5 million to bring in Hoffenheim’s top scorer, Germany national team newcomer Bayer, and another €22.5 million to pry Anton away from Stuttgart. They also acquired the runner-up in last season’s Bundesliga scoring chart, Girassi, for €18 million, and signed Brighton’s midfield maestro Gross for €7 million. To balance the financial books, they sold Füllkrug to West Ham United for a high price of €27 million. At the same time, they parted ways with old guards such as Reus and Hummels. In the first game, new signing Gross provided an assist, and Gittens, who came off the bench, scored twice. Şahin’s sweeping reforms to the team have so far been effective, with many players who were underutilized last season getting playing time, creating a harmonious atmosphere within the squad.

According to statistics, the two teams have met 119 times, with Bremen having 47 wins, 19 draws, and 53 losses, showing a disadvantage that is not particularly pronounced. Looking back at their last five encounters, Bremen has only one win against four losses, showing a clear disadvantage. Despite Dortmund’s slow start last season, they still managed to complete a double over Bremen. Moreover, Bremen has lost all four of their recent home games against Dortmund. Under Şahin’s leadership, Dortmund has returned to an attack-minded football style. Although the team still has various issues, the familiar Yellow Wall is gradually regaining its proud outline.

For this match, two new signings, Yankuto continues to suffer from minor injuries and will miss the game, while Girassi, due to injury, can only cheer on his teammates from the sidelines. Gittens, who scored twice in the last game, is expected to return to the starting lineup, and Bayer may make his first start for his new club. Under Şahin’s attack-minded football philosophy, Dortmund has reverted to a three-man defense system, which is expected to continue in this match. On Bremen’s side, all players are in excellent physical condition, with no concerns about injuries.

Before the game, Dortmund coach Şahin said, “Bremen is well-prepared and eager to secure all three points at home.” Bremen’s coach Werner believes, “Dortmund has brought in several strong players, further enhancing their overall strength, which poses a challenging task for Bremen.” After this round, the teams will face a two-week international break. Therefore, both sides will surely strive for the best possible results. Can Bremen break the jinx against their nemesis, Dortmund?

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