Bremen hold their nerve
Saturday, 29 May 2004
SV Werder Bremen claimed the German Cup to complete their first domestic double but only after a tight final against second divsion TSV Alemannia 1900 Aachen.
Exciting game
Twice Bundesliga winners Bremen led by a two-goal margin, but twice Aachen came back to within one before finally succumbing 3-2. However, despite having now lost all three of their cup finals, the previous two coming in 1953 and 1955, Aachen gain a UEFA Cup place with Bremen heading for the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Bremen streak ahead
Midfield player Tim Borowski put Bremen ahead on 31 minutes when he turned in a Fabian Ernst pass. Striker Ivan Klasnic then doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time with a low shot.
Aachen down to ten men
Former Bremen defender Stefan Blank headed Aachen back into the game six minutes into the second period, but as they pushed for an equaliser their midfield player George Mbwando was dismissed a quarter-hour from time for a foul on Borowski.
Late goals
Nine minutes later Borowski scored his second to virtually put Bremen out of reach, and so it proved even though Dutch striker Erik Meijer reduced Aachen’s arrears in added time.
Double winners
Still, Bremen held on for their fifth cup triumph, four coming in the last 13 years. They join FC Bayern München, FC Schalke 04 and 1. FC Köln in having done the double in Germany.