SV Werder Bremen heading to Bundesliga after playoff win over Holstein Kiel

Bremen edge Kiel in playoff

SV Werder Bremen have earned promotion back to the Bundesliga after beating Holstein Kiel 2-0 in the playoff second leg on Monday. The victory gave Bremen a 3-1 aggregate win and sees them return to the top flight after a year in the second division.

Weiser's goal makes the difference

Mitchell Weiser scored the only goal of the game in the 10th minute, firing home from close range after a cross from Niclas Füllkrug. Kiel pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a way past Bremen's defence. Oliver Burke sealed the win for Bremen in the 88th minute, scoring into an empty net after Kiel goalkeeper Thomas Dähne had come up for a corner.

Bremen back in the big time

Bremen's return to the Bundesliga is a reward for a strong season in which they finished third in the 2. Bundesliga. They will be hoping to make a bigger impact in the top flight next season and will be looking to avoid the relegation battle they experienced in their last Bundesliga campaign.

Kiel's playoff heartbreak

Kiel's defeat in the playoff is a disappointing end to their season. They had finished fourth in the 2. Bundesliga and had hoped to earn promotion via the playoffs. However, they were unable to overcome Bremen and will now have to remain in the second tier for another season.