Werder Bremen secured a vital 1-1 draw at VfB Stuttgart on April 26, 2026, moving six points clear of the relegation zone with three matches remaining in the Bundesliga season. The result came courtesy of Jens Stage’s 10th league goal of the campaign, which canceled out an equalizer from Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic.
The match took place at the MHPArena in Stuttgart, where Werder Bremen began strongly and took the lead in the 18th minute. Stage received the ball on the edge of the box after a one-two with Yukinari Sugawara, cut inside from the left, and fired a low shot into the far corner past Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel.
Stuttgart responded after the break, with Demirovic heading home a cross from the right flank in the 61st minute to level the score. The goal came shortly after Demirovic entered the game as a substitute, highlighting Stuttgart’s renewed push for a Champions League spot following their midweek DFB-Pokal semifinal appearance.
For Werder Bremen, the point was crucial in their fight to avoid relegation. The draw moved them to 12th place in the table with 42 points, six ahead of 16th-placed Holstein Kiel, who occupy the first relegation spot. With three games left, Werder Bremen now hold a comfortable buffer that significantly increases their chances of securing top-flight status for next season without needing to rely on the relegation playoffs.
Stuttgart, meanwhile, remain in fourth place with 54 points, level on points with fifth-place TSG Hoffenheim. The draw halted their momentum in the Champions League race, especially after their physically demanding 120-minute DFB-Pokal win over SC Freiburg earlier in the week, which led to significant rotation in their starting lineup.
Werder Bremen made one change from their previous match against Hamburger SV, bringing in defender Niklas Stark for the injured Justin Njinmah in the starting XI. Stark partnered with Amos Pieper in central defense, while Victor Boniface remained on the bench as he continues his recovery from knee surgery. The club had previously confirmed in January that Boniface would not feature again this season due to the ongoing rehabilitation process.
The first chance of the game fell to Werder Bremen in the seventh minute, when Senne Lynens tested Nübel with a shot from distance after a promising build-up down the left flank. However, it was Stage who broke the deadlock shortly after, showcasing his composure and technical ability in a tight space to give the visitors the lead.
Stuttgart enjoyed more possession after the equalizer and pushed for a winner, but Werder Bremen’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Michael Zetterer made several key interventions in the second half to preserve the draw, including a smart save to deny Serhou Guirassy in the 78th minute.
The result means Werder Bremen can now approach their final three matches with greater confidence. Their upcoming fixtures include home games against Eintracht Frankfurt and Augsburg, followed by an away trip to Borussia Mönchengladbach. Securing just one more point would mathematically guarantee their Bundesliga status for next season.
For Stuttgart, the focus shifts to maintaining their top-four challenge. They face Borussia Dortmund away in their next match, followed by home games against Union Berlin and RB Leipzig. A strong finish could still witness them leapfrog Hoffenheim for outright fourth place, depending on results elsewhere.
Jens Stage’s goal was his 10th of the season in all competitions, underlining his importance to Werder Bremen’s attacking efforts. The Danish midfielder has been a consistent presence in Liam Manning’s side, contributing goals and work rate throughout a campaign that has seen the club overcome early-season struggles.
The MHPArena was at full capacity for the match, with an announced attendance of 60,000 fans creating a lively atmosphere. Both sets of supporters voiced their enthusiasm throughout, particularly during Stuttgart’s spell of pressure after falling behind and Werder Bremen’s resilient defending in the closing stages.
As the Bundesliga season enters its final stretch, Werder Bremen’s point in Stuttgart represents a significant step toward safety. While they are not yet mathematically safe, the six-point gap with three games left puts them in a strong position to avoid the relegation battle that has loomed over large parts of their season.
Stuttgart, despite dropping two points, remain in contention for Champions League qualification. Their ability to bounce back from midweek cup exertions will be tested in the coming weeks, but their squad depth and quality suggest they can still achieve their seasonal objectives.
The draw leaves both teams with clear priorities as the season concludes: Werder Bremen aiming to seal safety with minimal stress, and Stuttgart pushing to maximize their league finish after a cup run that ended in the semifinals.
Looking ahead, Werder Bremen’s next match is at home against Eintracht Frankfurt on April 29, 2026. A win or draw in that game would further extend their lead over the relegation zone and bring them closer to confirming their Bundesliga status for the 2026-27 season.
