Werder Bremen end winning streak and fall behind in the race for Europe

Werder Bremen saw their push for European qualification suffer a setback on Sunday as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home against St. Pauli in Matchday 31 of the Bundesliga.

The result ended their impressive run of four consecutive victories, a streak that had reignited hopes of returning to European competition next season. Despite extending their unbeaten run to five matches, this stalemate meant Bremen missed a golden opportunity to break into the top six.

André Silva, who has been a key figure in Werder Bremen's recent success, remained on the bench throughout the match, and his absence on the pitch was felt as Bremen struggled to find the cutting edge in front of goal. The home side created several chances but lacked the precision and creativity needed to unlock St. Pauli’s disciplined defense. Both teams fought hard, but it was a game defined by missed opportunities and resolute defending, particularly from the visitors who are still battling to avoid relegation.

The draw leaves Werder Bremen in 8th place with 46 points, three points behind fifth-placed RB Leipzig, two behind Borussia Dortmund in sixth, and one point off seventh-placed Mainz. The competition for European spots is incredibly tight, and with only three matches remaining, Bremen now faces increased pressure to pick up maximum points if they are to overtake their rivals and secure a return to continental football. Their upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether this season’s late resurgence can be converted into tangible success.

For St. Pauli, currently sitting 14th, the point earned was of significant importance. Their primary objective remains survival, and this result helped them gain valuable ground in the relegation battle. They are now six points ahead of 16th-placed Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation play-off spot, and nine points clear of Kiel, who sit in one of the automatic relegation positions. With three matches to go, St. Pauli will be looking to maintain this buffer and secure their place in the Bundesliga for another season.

Elsewhere, in another crucial match affecting the relegation zone, bottom club Bochum were only able to secure a 1-1 draw at home against Union Berlin, a result that leaves them in a perilous position. Bochum now finds themselves nine points from safety and four points adrift of the play-off place. Time is running out for them to mount a serious survival bid, and they will likely need to win all of their remaining matches to have any chance of avoiding the drop.

Union Berlin took the lead in the 17th minute through Benedict Hollerbach, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire the visitors ahead. Bochum, however, showed resilience and managed to level the score thanks to Slovakian midfielder Matus Bero, who found the net later in the match to keep his side’s faint hopes of survival alive. Despite the draw, Bochum's situation remains critical, and they will need both results and luck on their side in the coming weeks.

There was also concern for Union Berlin’s Portuguese defender Diogo Leite, who had to be substituted in the 64th minute after being struck by a powerful shot in the neck area. The force of the impact required him to be stretchered off the pitch, and early reports suggest he will be monitored closely over the next few days. His injury adds to Union’s worries as they look to secure a strong finish to their season.

As the Bundesliga season nears its conclusion, the battle for European places and the fight against relegation remain as intense as ever. Werder Bremen must now quickly regroup and focus on their next match, knowing that every point is vital. Meanwhile, St. Pauli will take confidence from their defensive solidity and look to build on this result in their quest to stay up. Bochum, at the bottom, are running out of time, and Union Berlin will hope for good news regarding Diogo Leite’s condition as they aim to finish the season strongly.