Topp saves Bremen in battling draw with Gladbach

Keke Topp’s powerful strike secured a late point for Werder Bremen at home against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Haris Tabakovic, who missed a penalty-kick in last week’s defeat to Stuttgart, scored the goal for the visitors.

The result will not help either side in the relegation battle, although Horst Steffen would be relieved that they avoided defeat in such a manner. The first half was a further indication of how both teams are struggling for a Bundesliga quality, with Justin Njinmah’s attempt the only notable action after 45 minutes of football.

Suddenly, both teams had chances inside the first five minutes of the second half. Nicolas made two decent saves from Yukinari Sugawara and Njinmah, and Gladbach took the lead at the other end in the 62nd minute.

The Bosnian striker ended a three-game scoreless run with a fine finish from Franck Honorat’s cutback. Nicolas had to make more saves to keep Gladbach’s lead until Topp netted his first goal of the season in the 94th minute after coming on as a late substitute.

Eugen Polanski’s side have only won once in their last seven Bundesliga matchdays, while the dramatic equalizer didn’t stop Bremen from going ten games without a win.