Füllkrug's header earns Werder another late win
The Bundesliga's leading goal scorer provided Werder Bremen supporters yet another late winner to narrowly defeat Hertha Berlin in a tense affair at the Weserstadion.
Having lost their last three competitive games in a row, Werder Bremen were looking to turn the tide at home against Hertha Berlin on Friday night. Niclas Füllkrug came up huge again to give the newly-promoted side three points in a game that was surely going to be a scoreless draw.
Füllkrug nearly scored within the opening minutes, but Agustin Rogel incredibly deflected the chance to prevent a goal. Marvin Ducksch and Füllkrug created several more chances together as the half wore on, while a couple Hertha players were booked early for hands to the face challenges.
Jean-Paul Boëtius was then subbed on in the 32nd minute for Stevan Jovetic, who looked to have picked up a knock. Werder were in possession more often in Hertha's half, but the scoreless game felt fairly even heading into halftime.
Dodi Lukebakio was the most creative Hertha player up front, but the capital club still hadn't registered a shot on target as the second half got underway. Yellow cards continued to rain left and right, as Sandro Schwarz looked more and more frustrated as the game progressed.
Hertha wanted Mitchell Weiser sent off after a challenge on Marco Richter, but the referee didn't budge. The right-back was then the recipient of several rough tackles from Hertha players before scuffing possibly the best chance of the game in the 81st minute.
Finally, Füllkrug's 85th minute header from a set-piece looped over Oliver Christensen to give the deserving home supporters something to cheer about. It's a huge three points for Werder, who added to their tally of 80+ minute goals on the season.
6th-place Werder play Schalke at home next weekend, while 13th-place Hertha return to the capital to face Bayern on Matchday 13.