It was all the more surprising that Wolfsburg grabbed the lead after 22 minutes. Per Mertesacker's clearance attempt in front of Mario Mandzukic landed at the feet of Cicero. Werder keeper Tim Wiese was able to stop Cicero's shot but Riether scored on the rebound to make it 1-0. Wiese saved another goal six minutes later as Mandzukic got in the middle of Wesley's back pass only to have the Bremen keeper make a superb save, leaving Werder down just 1-0 at the break.
Schaaf's team kept up their motivation and determination in the second half though the offense was missing as Wolfsburg were able to easily defend their lead. Bremen had a superb chance after 55 minutes but Marko Marin could not beat Wolfsburg keeper Diego Benaglio from 12 yards out.
Werder captain Torsten Frings had some back luck after 68 minutes as his shot got past Benaglio but Wolfsburg's Makoto Hasebe cleared the ball at the line. The Green-Whites fought for the equaliser but could not bring the ball into Wolfsburg's net as the game ended with a 1-0 Wolfsburg victory.