Werder Bremen built on their remarkable UEFA Cup success against Milan earlier this season to lead Saint-Étienne 1-0 after the first leg of their clash in Germany. Werder certainly had much the better of the first half but, although their dominance would continue into the second period, les Verts would come back into the game. The Germans struck through Naldo midway through the first half and neither side could add to his goal.

The hosts produced a mixed performance, with the real power in their side eminating from an impressive midfield and defence. Baumann and Naldo were particularly impressive for the Germans, dominating in the air and proving themselves to be strong on the ground as les Verts were shut-out. An early injury to Jenssen certainly hampered the midfield but Diego was imperious, creating several chances and fully justifying his links with some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The only disappointment for the mid-table Bundesliga outfit was their forward play; Pizarro should have added more to their tally. Sainté, meanwhile, switched away from their usual 4-4-2 to play 4-5-1. There was no Ilan, hero of the weekend win over Nantes, in their 11 because of a hamstring worry so Gomis led the line on his own. His support was inadequate as Mirallas struggled. Hautcoeur replaced the highly influential Matuidi in the middle and had a decent game but was not as prominent as his young compatriot would have expected to have been. In addition, the loss of Tavlaridis was acute but Janot excelled in goal.

A pattern was set for the first half as Werder pushed forward, with Sainté always mindful not to give away cheap free-kicks due to their comparative weakness in the air to their German opponents. An early effort from Almeida whistle past the post, something he would become used to on an evening when things did not go quite his way. On 20 minutes, Diego orchestrated the opening goal, cutting a dangerous ball into the box that was cleared by Varrault as far as Naldo, who buried his left-footed shot. What followed was a barrage of efforts on the home goal. Pizarro was superbly denied by Janot on the half hour mark before Bayal Sall cleared from the goal-line as Frings stuck an effort beyond the goalkeeper. Sainté’s first real effort came via a Machado free-kick but his effort was punched away by the home goalkeeper. Chances were fewer in a second half that Saint-Étienne appeared less tentative in. Janot punched the ball away from the head of Naldo as he threatened on a set-play and then blocked from Pizarro. Another dangerous set-piece saw Diego line up a shot but it drifted just wide. With just over 15 minutes remaining, Sainté had their best chance but Dernis’ powerful drive was repulsed by Wiese before Mirallas wasted the follow-up.

The noises from either camp were differing after the game. Werder were disappointed with the outcome, indicating that they feel they should have done more, while Sainté were content. Les Verts do not lose very often at home but they will need to beat their opponents at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard next week. It promises to be a tight encounter.