Füllkrug and Ducksch lead Werder over plummeting Schalke
In a battle between the two newly-promoted sides, Werder Bremen expectedly emerged victorious over Schalke with goals from strike-partners Niclas Füllkrug and Marvin Ducksch.
On Saturday night at the Weserstadion, Schalke were in desperate need of a result to prevent themselves from spiraling further out of control. Instead, Schalke tied the Bundesliga record for 35 straight first division away games without a win in their 2-1 loss against a well-coached Werder Bremen side.
Marius Bülter challenged Werder's defense in the early minutes, but Jiri Pavlenka was able to save the effort with an outstretched foot. Werder really struggled to get anything going on the offensive end in the beginning part of the contest.
Thomas Reis' team thought they had breakthrough goal through Alex Kral's deflected shot on the volley at the quarter hour mark. Celebrations quickly subdued after it was ruled that Kenan Karaman, who provided the assist, was offside.
Schalke's defense eventually gave way to Mitchell Weiser, who's deft pass found scoring-machine Niclas Füllkrug inside the box for the opening goal in the 30th minute. Werder were growing in confidence and nearly added onto their advantage several times before halftime.
To start the second period, the Royal Blues couldn't seriously challenge Werder on any of their set-pieces. Füllkrug then asked to be subbed off in the 59th minute with what looked to be a back injury.
Late-game specialists Werder were barely holding on through some hectic offensive spells from Schalke. But, in the 76th minute, Marvin Ducksch claimed a goal of his own with a chip over Alexander Schwolow that Maya Yoshida couldn't keep out of the back of the net.
Dominick Drexler was able to get his team on the scoresheet in the 89th minute, but it didn't matter. It's another huge three points for Ole Werner's side in what's been an incredible start the campaign, while Schalke supporters have little reason for hope going forward.
7th-place Werder finish 2022 by facing Bayern and Leipzig next week, while last-place Schalke play Mainz and the record champions.