Bremen beat Vienna to stay group top at Europa League

Despite having fewer attempts, Karl Daxbacher's side arguably had the better of the chances in the opening 45 minutes. Werder had their reliable keeper Tim Wiese to thank for preventing a less flattering score line at half time.

Werder Bremen's Hugo Almeida celebrates after  scoring against Austria Vienna during their Europa League soccer match in Bremen November 5, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

After the interval, Jacek Bak's headed effort forced yet another solid save from the Bremen keeper, as the visitors pressed for the opening goal. The home side were more dominant in possession and controlled the game in the midfield, but failed to create anything to really challenge Safar's goal.

On 65 minutes Werder almost opened the scoring with their first real chance of the half. Oezil's through ball found Almeida whose shot was blocked by the substitute keeper Almer.

The opening goal finally came with ten minutes to play. Oezil's ball was flicked on by Rosenberg to find Borowski whose header beat Almer. Minutes later Bremen struck again, this time through Hugo Almeida whose unchallenged shot wrong footed the Vienna keeper.

Thanks to the home victory, Bremen extend their lead at the top of group L. Vienna drop to fourth after Nacional Funchal's late winner against second placed Athletic Bilbao.

On the same day, Hamburger SV, another German soccer powerhouse, saw a goalless draw against Celtic Glasgow in the Europa League encounter.

The draw left Hamburg at the second position in group C, Celtic Glasgow is out of competition with only 2 points.