Alejandro Galvez scored the crucial goal as Werder Bremen secured a 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
The first few minutes of the match were a sign of things to come as Hoffenheim piled on the pressure, with Adam Szalai wasting a great chance when he fired wide from just 10 yards out.
A bright start was rewarded in the 19th minute when Sebastian Rudy sprinted clear of two defenders on the wing before picking out Roberto Firmino, who had the easy task of tapping in the opening goal.
Galvez had the opportunity to equalise for Bremen late in the first half after pulling away from his marker to meet a cross with his head, but Oliver Baumann stuck out a strong hand to protect his side's lead.
Hoffenheim returned for the second break with an extended spell of pressure, and came close to doubling their advantage when Niklas Sule headed just wide of the target.
The visitors were made to pay for that miss when Franco Di Santo chipped an inch-perfect pass over the Hoffenheim defence to find Galvez, who drilled the ball past Baumann.
Bremen grew in confidence after drawing level, and the hosts came agonisingly close to collecting all three points late on when Nils Petersen's curled effort was deflected against the post.
Callum Mulvihill
