The meaning of the 100th North Derby could be seen at every corner in Bremen days before the game. But just how important this hard-fought success...
The meaning of the 100th North Derby could be seen at every corner in Bremen days before the game. But just how important this hard-fought success...
The meaning of the 100th North Derby could be seen at every corner in Bremen days before the game. But just how important this hard-fought success over the rivals from Hamburg actually was could be seen even more clearly during the game and especially after the final whistle. When referee Florian Mayer ended the match after 96 minutes, the entire Weser Stadium burst into celebrations. Arms flew into the air, the relief was huge and fans, players and staff hugged each other.
"That was an impressive derby fight. The team showed an unbelievable passion and was pushed by the fans the whole game. That's another reason is was a successful afternoon, a very special day," said head coach Robin Dutt. Sebastian Prödl agreed: "The pressure before the game was extremely big, but we withstood it. It was a hard-fought, thrilling derby, the victory was a big team success."
WERDER.DE collected more reaction from the mixed zone:
Nils Petersen: "We have avoided losses in two straight matches against direct competitors. Those are the games that you have to win. We knew that it would be tough today, that one scene could decide it. We were strong from the very start and we were rewarded for that. The victory feels good. I am happy for the team and the club."
Robin Dutt: "We knew that it would be a battle. We didn't want to let Hamburg win the challenges. The team was impressive in that today, went after every ball from the first minute on and fought for each other. And the guys did that for 96 minutes."
Aaron Hunt: "That was a very important victory for the table situation, but also for the fans. We are all really happy. This is just how we had imagined it. The victory gives us strength and confidence for the next couple of games. It was certainly a six-point match since Hamburg is a direct competitor. But they are not the only competitor. Now we cannot let up, otherwise the victory means nothing."
Thomas Eichin: "We were the tougher team. The centre backs did a good job. We stood very good defensively and didn't give up very much."
