Thanks to his two headed goals, Werder Bremen’s new signing, Sebastian Prödl, played a major role in helping his side to a 4-3 friendly win over Aris Saloniki. In an entertaining tie, with several very well taken goals, the Green-Whites took an early 2-0 lead through Sebastian Prödl (12’) and Aaron Hunt (15’).

But, as Werder took their foot off the gas towards the end of the first half, Saloniki’s ‘Man of the Match’, Koke, struck twice to level the scores. The first was a wonderfully executed lob which left Sebastian Mielitz helpless in the Bremen goal (36’), the second was a powerful free-kick which Koke blasted into the top right corner just on the stroke of half time.

In the second half, with his first touch of the ball, Markus Rosenberg put the Bundesliga side back in front (46’) and, in the 79th minute, Sebastian Prödl restored the two goal deficit with a carbon copy of the his earlier successful header. In the 86th minute, Thanasia Papazoglou brought the Greek side back to within in a goal of the Green-Whites, but there was to be no second equaliser. Werder could be thankful to young keeper Sebastian Mielitz for the win after he saved a penalty from Marco Aurelio in the 69th minute.

The game at a glance:

Werder Bremen: Sebastian Mielitz - Sebastian Boenisch, Naldo, Sebastian Prödl, Dusko Tosic (61’ Max Kruse) - Frank Baumann (46’ Peter Niemeyer), Aaron Hunt, Daniel Jensen, Mesut Özil (61’ Philipp Bargfrede) - Martin Harnik, Marc Heider (46’ Markus Rosenberg)

Aris Saloniki: Marian Kelemen - Kristi Vangeli, Efthimios Koulouheris, Lembo, 22 Marco aurelio - Kostas Nebegleras, Thiago Gentil, Roberto Battion - Javito, Mario Regueiro - Koke

Goals: 1-0 Prödl (12‘), 2-0 Hunt (15‘), 2-1 Koke (34‘), 2-2 Koke (45‘), 3-2 Rosenberg (46‘), 4-2 Prödl (79‘), 4-3 Papazoglou (86‘)