Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen Match Recap - Jan 13, 2026

Borussia Dortmund Dominates Werder Bremen 3-0: A Statement of Intent in the Bundesliga

Borussia Dortmund's emphatic 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park underscores their championship aspirations and highlights the contrasting trajectories of both teams. With this win, Dortmund solidifies its position in the Bundesliga title race, now sitting second with 33 points, while Bremen remains mired in mid-table mediocrity with just 17 points.

Dortmund's recent form has been a rollercoaster, but this match showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. After a thrilling 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they displayed both resilience and vulnerability, they returned to winning ways against Werder Bremen. The standout performers were Nico Schlotterbeck, who opened the scoring early, and Marcel Sabitzer, who added a crucial goal in the second half. Serhou Guirassy capped off the performance with a late strike, further emphasizing Dortmund's attacking depth.

Werder Bremen's struggles continued as they failed to find the net once again, extending their goal drought to three matches. Their recent form has been characterized by a lack of offensive firepower, highlighted by a goalless draw against FC Augsburg and a heavy defeat to VfB Stuttgart. Coach Horst Steffen's side has struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances, as evidenced by their inability to register a single shot on target against Dortmund.

Dortmund's ability to create opportunities was evident in their shot statistics. They recorded 10 total shots compared to Bremen's 5, with 4 shots on goal to Bremen's 3. Despite Bremen holding a slight edge in ball possession at 55%, they failed to capitalize on it, managing only 420 passes with an accuracy of 85%. In contrast, Dortmund's more efficient passing game allowed them to maintain pressure and control throughout the match.

The expected goals (xG) metric further illustrates the disparity between the two teams. Dortmund's xG of 1.15 dwarfed Bremen's meager 0.33, reflecting their clinical finishing and ability to create high-quality chances. This trend aligns with Dortmund's recent performances, where they have consistently outperformed their opponents in terms of xG, showcasing their attacking efficiency.

Julian Brandt has been a key figure for Dortmund in recent weeks, contributing significantly to their attacking play. His creativity and vision were instrumental in breaking down Bremen's defense, allowing players like Fábio Silva and Maximilian Beier to exploit gaps effectively. Brandt's ability to link up play and create opportunities will be crucial as Dortmund looks to maintain momentum in the league.

Conversely, Werder Bremen's reliance on midfield dynamo Jens Stage has not yielded the desired results. Despite his efforts to orchestrate play from the center, the lack of support from forwards like Justin Njinmah and Marco Grüll has left them toothless in attack. The absence of a reliable goal scorer has become increasingly apparent, as Bremen has struggled to convert chances into goals.

The tactical setup for both teams was similar, with both employing a 3-4-2-1 formation. However, Dortmund's execution was far superior. Their wing-backs, particularly Yan Couto, provided width and depth in attack, stretching Bremen's defense and creating space for central players. This tactical advantage allowed Dortmund to dominate the flanks and exploit Bremen's defensive frailties.

Dortmund's defensive unit also deserves recognition for their performance. Led by Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle, they effectively neutralized Bremen's attacking threats, limiting them to few clear-cut chances. The backline's organization and discipline were pivotal in maintaining a clean sheet, which is crucial for building confidence as they push for the title.

Looking ahead, Dortmund will face FC St. Pauli next, where they will aim to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of league leaders. The confidence gained from this victory could be vital as they navigate a challenging schedule ahead. Meanwhile, Werder Bremen must regroup quickly before facing Eintracht Frankfurt, as they seek to rediscover their scoring touch and climb out of the lower half of the table.

This match serves as a stark reminder of the contrasting fortunes of both clubs. Borussia Dortmund is riding high on confidence and attacking flair, while Werder Bremen grapples with inconsistency and a lack of offensive output. As the Bundesliga season progresses, these narratives will continue to unfold, shaping the destinies of both teams in the quest for glory or survival.