4.. Despite a promising start, the visitors quickly asserted their dominance.
The opening goal arrived in the 15th minute when Mbangula, after an initial effort deflected off the crossbar, managed to direct the rebound into the net. Bremen extended their lead just eleven minutes later, with Mbangula again instrumental in the build-up, assisting Stage who fired a precise shot into the bottom corner.
Gladbach’s first significant chance came in the 37th minute, a Reyna-assisted effort from Hack narrowly missing the target. Another opportunity followed shortly after, Hack heading just wide. The effective Bremen attack ensured a comfortable 2:0 lead at halftime.
The second half mirrored the first, with Gladbach failing to mount a sustained challenge. Bremen demonstrated greater purpose and focus, with a deflected Sugawara shot in the 57th minute narrowly missing the goal. Moments of drama followed, with Sugawara denied by the Gladbach goalkeeper Nicolas, only for Reitz’s subsequent header to be cleared off the line by Agu. A powerful shot from Grüll rattled the crossbar, further emphasizing Bremen’s attacking threat.
The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute after Diks fouled Mbangula in the penalty area. Schmid confidently converted the spot-kick, making it 3:0. The final blow came in the 81st minute when substitute Boniface set up Njinmah, who delicately chipped the ball past Nicolas to secure a comprehensive victory for Werder Bremen. Gladbach were unable to respond to the increasingly one-sided contest.