A spectacular pre-season friendly unfolded at the home of FC Verden 04 on 18 July 2026, as SV Werder Bremen ran out 6-2 winners. The match offered a stark contrast: the lower-league hosts gave a spirited performance, but the Bundesliga side’s class ultimately told.

An Explosive Start

Werder Bremen opened the scoring inside the first ten minutes, capitalising on a defensive mistake. They quickly doubled their lead through a long-range strike. Undeterred, FC Verden hit back with a well-taken goal of their own, momentarily silencing the travelling support. However, three quick goals before half-time put the game beyond doubt, making it 5-1 at the break.

Second-Half Changes

Both teams made wholesale substitutions at half-time, typical of a pre-season friendly. Werder Bremen’s younger players showed eagerness, adding a sixth goal midway through the half. FC Verden never gave up and scored a consolation goal from a free kick, earning applause from the crowd.

Key Performances

• Werder Bremen’s first-choice attack looked sharp, with three different scorers in the first period.
• FC Verden 04’s number 9 impressed with his hold-up play and finishing, a bright spot for the hosts.
• The match was a valuable workout for both coaching staffs, testing fitness and combinations.

Final score 6-2 paints a clear picture of the gap between the tiers, but FC Verden can hold their heads high for the effort. For Werder Bremen, this was a perfect hit-out to build match sharpness ahead of the new season.