Rearguard focus for Bremen

By Mark Bennett

Werder Bremen's inability to keep a clean sheet in the UEFA Champions League could cost them a place in the next round.

Impressive defending
When Bremen lifted both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup last season, they boasted an excellent forward line but could also rely on their defence to win games for them. In 34 league games they conceded just 28 goals, with only VfB Stuttgart conceding fewer.

No clean sheets
However, Bremen's failure to keep a clean sheet in five UEFA Champions League matches so far this term is in danger of preventing them from progressing to the last 16. Defensive errors cost them in an opening 2-0 defeat by FC Internazionale Milano, as did the dismissals of Frank Baumann and Valérien Ismaël.

Tight defending
Before the two sides met again in the Weserstadion on Matchday 5, coach Thomas Schaaf said: "We must keep a clean sheet this time. We are not allowed to give Inter as many chances as we did in the first match." However, Schaaf's instructions were only half fulfilled.

Martins misery
Bremen limited the Italian group leaders to only a handful of chances, but Obafemi Martins cashed in on some lacklustre defending on 55 minutes and in the end the German champions had to settle for a 1-1 draw - a result which prevented them from booking their place in the next round before tonight's game at Valencia CF.

'Fast asleep'
"We always seem to be fast asleep at the back once in every match and opponents cash in on it," said goalkeeper Andreas Reinke. Schaaf added: "You can't afford to lose concentration at this level. If you do you will get punished. The best teams in Europe play in the Champions League and they don't let you off the hook if you make mistakes."

Trip to Valencia
Bremen will therefore have to redouble their defensive efforts if they want to progress, although the Spanish side are aware that their visitors are prone to blunders at the back. On Matchday 2, Christian Schulz, making his Champions League debut, gave up possession only 90 seconds into the match and Vicente Rodríguez cashed in by putting his side in the driving seat.

Away goal
Bremen bounced back after the break to win the game 2-1 but that Vicente goal could yet prove costly - a 1-0 win tonight would see Valencia progress to the next round.

Forwards under pressure
Given their defensive record in the competition so far, it looks as if forwards Ivan Klasnic and Miroslav Klose will have to carry the can in the final group match to ensure that the German champions remain in the race to reach the final in Istanbul.