In an overall slow and rather poor game Werder Bremen claimed a late 0-1 away win at Celta de Vigo in the first leg of their Uefa Cup tie.  The visitors always looked comfortable as they dominated the game as they missed several chances to score and hardly allowed the disappointing hosts any chances. Just as the game seemed to end in a goalless draw substitute Almeida, who came on for Klose, scored a precious match winner for the visitors.

Celta de Vigo coach Vasquez made 2 changes to the team that lost 0-1 in the Primera Division against Valencia as Jonathan Aspas, Yago Alonso and Nunez replaced Angel, Contreras and Fernando. Werder Bremen coach Schaaf on the other hand fielded his formation in the same line-up that won 3-0 against Bochum in the Bundesliga.

The game started in a slow pace with both teams starting cautious while the hosts played remarkably defensive for a home team. Werder Bremen missed a good early chance to take the lead when Hunt saw his shot denied by a strong save from goalkeeper Esteban, while 15 minutes later once again Hunt came close to opening the score for Bremen, but he was unlucky as his shot bounced out of goal via the inside of the post. Celta de Vigo only created 1 chance in the first half when Nene missed his target with a shot from a sharp angle. Close before half-time the dominant visitors missed 2 further chances through Klose and Wome as the first half remained goalless.

The 2nd half had a similar slow start before hosts Celta de Vigo finally created some small chances, which were missed by Tamas and Baiano, while Vranjes saw a shot saved for the visitors as the game was more balanced in the 2nd half now. Baiano missed a good chance to give his team the lead late in the game, while substitute Almeida, who came on for Klose, did better for the visitors when he scored the 0-1 with a well-placed header after a cross from Wome. In the last minute of the game Almeida missed a good chance for a 2nd goal when Estaban saved his shot as Werder Bremen claimed a 0-1 away win in the end.

Overall the win for Werder Bremen was much deserved as they were the better team in an overall poor game and could have lifted the score to higher proportions on several occasions. Still the win puts Bremen in a great position for the return leg, while Celta de Vigo will have a mountain to climb with this score.