Borowski backs Bremen cause

Tim Borowski was delighted with the way Werder Bremen's reshaped midfield performed in the 1-0 win against Chelsea FC, and is confident of clinching qualification for the last 16 by avoiding defeat at FC Barcelona on Matchday 6.

Mertesacker strike
Bremen made light of the absence of suspended captain Frank Baumann and more than matched Chelsea's star-studded midfield for much of the contest. Per Mertesacker's 27th-minute header ultimately proved enough for victory, and Borowski was quick to hail his team-mates' efforts. "We had to make a few changes in midfield because of injuries and suspensions but in the end it all worked out perfectly," the German international told uefa.com.

Midfield switch
"I switched to the right side, Torsten Frings took over from Frank Baumann in the holding role and Daniel Jensen came back into the side after recovering from various injuries," the 26-year-old continued. "We kept things nice and tight and forced Chelsea to play the ball through us which they didn't seem to like."

'Magnificent goal'
Borowski also had special praise for Mertesacker, who was commanding at the back as well as soaring above the Chelsea defence for the game's defining moment. "Per's goal was magnificent," Borowski said. "He climbed really high and got a lot of power behind the ball. It was almost perfect."

Wiese saves
After a sluggish start Chelsea increased the pressure on the Bremen goal and goalkeeper Tim Wiese had to make important saves to deny Michael Ballack and Joe Cole. "Chelsea didn't have that many chances but when they broke through our defence we could rely on Tim," said Borowski. "He made some very important saves and made sure of the win."

Chelsea qualify
The win leaves Chelsea and Bremen leading Group A with ten points, two clear of holders Barcelona. Chelsea, who play PFC Levski Sofia on Matchday 6, are already sure of qualification, while Bremen travel to the Camp Nou knowing that a draw will see them through to the next round.

'We can be proud'
Borowski believes that Bremen can get the result they need. "We have worked really hard to get ourselves into this position and we can be really proud of what we have achieved so far," he said. "But we will take a lot of confidence into the match and we definitely won't be going to Barcelona to lose. We want to play our game and hopefully we will get the result we need."