Bremen break for home
Sunday, February 15, 2004
Article summary
A last-gasp penalty from Ailton against 1. FC Kaiserslautern put SV Werder Bremen nine points clear.
Article body
Bundesliga leaders SV Werder Bremen took advantage of slips by nearest title challengers FC Bayern München and VfB Stuttgart to stretch the gap at the top to nine points on Sunday.
Bayern beaten
A day earlier, second-placed Bayern lost at VfL Bochum 1848 for the first time since 1985 while Stuttgart, in third spot, were held to a 1-1 draw by VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Ailton winner
It meant Bremen had a golden chance to pull clear at the summit when they faced 1. FC Kaiserslautern, but they relied on a penalty deep into added time to secure all three points. Ailton, who was brought down in the Kaiserslautern box, stepped up to slot in the solitary goal, his 19th of the season.
Ewerthon double
In Sunday's other game, BV Borussia Dortmund held on to sixth place with a 2-0 away win against TSV 1860 München. The game hinged on the 40th-minute dismissal of Martin Stranzl, who was shown the red card for a foul in the area on Dortmund striker Ewerthon. The Brazilian got to his feet to convert the ensuing spot-kick and added a second goal from open play on the hour.
