Werder Bremen wins friendly against Energie Cottbus 4:2

Schlager celebrates debut in the Bremen goal

Schlager's appearance is also of interest against the backdrop of the competition situation in Bremen's goal. According to their own statements, Karl Hein, who is also part of Bremen's squad, is regarded as the rival for the starting position. The sporting comparison between the two goalkeepers is likely to intensify further over the coming weeks in training and competitive matches.

On the hosts' side from Cottbus, Borgmann celebrated his comeback, according to the match reporting. The available reports did not provide concrete details on the player's exact role and playing time. Energie's coach and squad used the match against a Bundesliga side to gain match practice under competitive conditions.

Borgmann back in the Cottbus squad

The Bremen goals were scored, among others, by Romano Schmid and Marco Friedl, both of whom appear as goalscorers in the match statistics. Two established Bundesliga players thus contributed to the Bundesliga club's offensive output. The available reports contain no conclusive information on the Cottbus goalscorers or the exact minutes of the goals.

Significance for pre-season preparations

From Energie Cottbus' perspective, a defeat against a higher-division opponent is not unusual. Friendlies against Bundesliga sides often serve 2. Bundesliga teams to expose weaknesses and make individual adjustments. The Lusatians face their first league opponent in a week for the start of the 2. Bundesliga season and will face different demands there than in a preparatory match.

For Werder Bremen, the start of competitive fixtures in the Bundesliga is just a few weeks away. Every appearance, including in friendlies, provides the coaching staff with insights into form, fitness and tactical processes. Alexander Schlager's debut is a building block in the personnel planning of the Bremen decision-makers.

According to the sources, the match took place on 1 August 2026 and was part of the final preparation phase for both teams. Both clubs will now process the insights from the match in the coming training sessions before things get serious for Energie in the 2. Bundesliga and for Werder in the Bundesliga.