Ducksch breaks Paderborn hearts as Bremen secure last-16 berth

Die Werderaner delight reigned supreme at the full-time whistle as they punched their ticket for the last-16 of 2024-25 DfB Pokal. Facing an in-form Paderborn left Ole Werner with little option but to field a full-strength side and in the end it proved to be enough for the green-clad side as Marvin Ducksch provided the difference.

Paderborn actually made the livelier start to the action as Obermair sent Bilbija on his way behind the Werder high-line, but Michael Zetterer came to the rescue. Sven Michel attempted to impose himself on the game minutes later, however Köhn and Lynen did well to recover in time. 

The match-defining moment arrived on the stroke of the half-hour as Bremen took the lead somewhat against the run of play as far as chances are concerned. Even more agonising was the fact a crucial mistake from Hoffmeier paved the way for a simple goal - a misplaced backpass was pounced on by Marvin Ducksch. The former Dortmund striker displayed great poise to round Schubert and roll home. 

Chances continued to fall the way of both teams after the break. Köhn could have doubled the visitor's lead but for Obermair's intervention. For the hosts, the pick of the efforts fell to Bilbija again who blazed over while Engelns failed to get the better of Zetterer. The German goalkeeper ever reliable since establishing himself as the clear number one early last season.