Werder Bremen played to a 2-2 result after regular time against Valencia in the final rehearsal ahead of their German Cup match against Union Berlin. But the Spaniards grabbed the upper hand in the penalty shootout of the Sparkasse Emsland Cup in Meppen. Hugo Almedia (29th) and Mesut Özil (31st - penalty) gave Werder the 2-0 lead. The Bremen advantage was deserved as they were the more active and better team. Valencia became stronger after the break and Zigic scored twice (58th and 76th) to send the game into penalties.

In the shootout, the first three players - Carleto, Hunt and Jordi Alba - converted their penalties before Valencia keeper Cesar stopped Philipp Bargfrede's attempt. The next three shots were good as well by Zigic and Joaquin for Valencia and Naldo for Werder. But then Cesar was better than Marcelo Moreno Martins to decide the game.

Most important for Bremen's preparations for Union Berlin will be looking at the positives of the first half and learning a lesson from the less-than-ideal second half.

Werder Bremen:

Wiese – Fritz, Mertesacker (62' Boenisch), Naldo, Pasanen (80' Prödl) – Frings (62' Niemeyer), Borowski (62' Vranjes), Marin (46' Hunt), Özil (62' Bargfrede) – Hugo Almeida (62' Futacs), Sanogo (80' Moreno Martins)

FC Valencia:

Cesar – Bruno (46' Miguel), Alexis (46' Navarro), Dealbert, Mathieu (46' Carleto) – Banega (46' Albelda), Baraja (46' Michel), Maduro, Vicente (46' Jordi Alba) – Miku (46' Joaquin), Olcina (46' Zigic)

Goals:

1-0 Hugo Almeida (29'), 2-0 Özil (31', penalty), 2-1 Zigic (58'), 2-2 Zigic (76')

Penalties:

2-3 Carleto, 3-3 Hunt, 3-4 Jordi Alba, Cesar stops Bargfrede, 3-5 Zigic, 4-5 Naldo, 4-6 Joaquin, Cesar stops Moreno Martins

Yellow cards: Borowski – Baraja

Referee: Peter Gagelmann

vivaris Arena Meppen: 10,000 spectators