To win football matches, you need strikers like Niclas Füllkrug and Marvin Ducksch to score goals, as well as a defence that doesn’t concede many. Goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka has played a huge part in Werder’s solid defensive displays of recent weeks. His saves during the 2-1 away win against Hoffenheim kept the score at 1-1, which laid the foundation for Fülle’s late winner from the penalty spot, which secured us a narrow victory.
Pavlenka was Werder’s rock during the critical phase of this match, the beginning of the second half. In the 54th minute, Hoffenheim’s Christoph Baumgartner had a great chance to score, but Pavlenka stuck out a leg to deny the Austrian. The Czech shot-stopper was once again to thank for keeping the scores level just ten minutes later. Grischa Prömel flicked Robert Skov’s cross towards goal, and Pavlenka managed to parry it behind for a corner, which allowed for his team’s successful end to the game.
Ole Werner deservedly praised his goalkeeper after full time. “He’s been a huge factor behind our recent success. Particularly in one-on-one situations, when we defend high and lots of long balls go over the top and towards him. His performances have really helped us to pick up points.”
