Werder Bremen beat Mainz 3-2 in a high-scoring Bundesliga match.

The Bundesliga fixture between Mainz and Werder Bremen unfolded at the MEWA ARENA in Mainz on 24 October 2026. Both sides entered the game looking to claim three points, and the atmosphere was charged as the home crowd anticipated a competitive showdown.

How it unfolded

The opening stages were dominated by Werder Bremen, who took the lead in the 7th minute when Niclas Füllkrug converted a penalty with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner. The early advantage was quickly extended when Füllkrug struck again from the spot in the 25th minute, his second penalty of the half finding the same corner and putting Bremen up 2-0.

Mainz responded before the half-hour mark, with Anthony Caci heading home from the right side of the six-yard box in the 33rd minute. The goal came after a precise cross from Sheraldo Becker, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and injecting belief into the home side.

Four minutes later, Ludovit Reis of Werder Bremen was cautioned for a bad foul, receiving a yellow card in the 38th minute.

The second half saw Bremen restore a two-goal cushion in the 61st minute when Ludovit Reis fired a left-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom right corner, assisted by Marco Grüll. The score moved to 3-1.

Mainz fought back almost immediately, with Lee Jae-Sung heading home from the centre of the box in the 63rd minute after a cross from Anthony Caci. The goal narrowed the margin to 3-2 and set up a tense finale.

Discipline tightened as the match progressed: Phillipp Mwene of Mainz was booked for a bad foul in the 69th minute, followed by Benedict Hollerbach receiving a yellow card for a similar infringement in the 88th minute. Werder Bremen’s Marco Grüll was also cautioned for a bad foul in the 89th minute. The referee issued a final booking to Mainz goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow in stoppage time (90'+4').

Despite the flurry of cards, the scoreline held, and Werder Bremen secured a 3-2 win.

Standout performers

Niclas Füllkrug was the decisive figure for Werder Bremen, converting two penalties to give his side a commanding early lead. His composure from the spot proved vital.

Ludovit Reis added a crucial third goal for Bremen, showcasing his ability to strike from distance, while also contributing an assist for his own goal earlier in the match.

For Mainz, Anthony Caci not only scored the opening goal but also provided the assist for Lee Jae-Sung’s header, highlighting his influence on both ends of the pitch.

Match facts

  • Final score: Mainz 2-3 Werder Bremen
  • Goals:
    • 7' Niclas Füllkrug (penalty) – Werder Bremen
    • 25' Niclas Füllkrug (penalty) – Werder Bremen
    • 33' Anthony Caci (assist: Sheraldo Becker) – Mainz
    • 61' Ludovit Reis (assist: Marco Grüll) – Werder Bremen
    • 63' Lee Jae-Sung (assist: Anthony Caci) – Mainz
  • Bookings:
    • Ludovit Reis (Werder Bremen) – 38' (bad foul)
    • Phillipp Mwene (Mainz) – 69' (bad foul)
    • Benedict Hollerbach (Mainz) – 88' (bad foul)
    • Marco Grüll (Werder Bremen) – 89' (bad foul)
    • Alexander Schwolow (Mainz) – 90'+4' (yellow card)
  • Venue: MEWA ARENA, Mainz

What it means

The result gives Werder Bremen three points from the encounter, while Mainz return home with a defeat despite a late resurgence. Both teams will look to build on the positives and address the disciplinary issues highlighted by the multiple bookings.