FC Schalke vs Werder Bremen player ratings: Nervy, but job done

FC Schalke traveled to face Werder Bremen hoping to get back to three points following the break. Here are the player ratings from the match.

FC Schalke returned from a much needed international break to face off against Werder Bremen knowing that a win would mean going back above Borussia Dortmund. And to make matters even better, Die Knappen were much healthier this time around

After losing Benjamin Stambouli and Salif Sane to long-term injuries, the name of the game became stopping the gap, and with the return of Matija Nastasic, alongside young phenom Ozan Kabak, they hoped to do exactly that.

Much like Dusseldorf, this one got started off quietly. Schalke dominated possession without doing all that much with it, though they did look quite confidence and, when faced with the counter, they defended admirably.

The breakthrough came earlier this time, though, with Amine Harit scoring a bit of a head scratcher in the 42nd, lofting the ball clear of Mark Uth‘s head and Pavlenka’s hand and nestling into the back corner.

The match opened up again in the second half, though it was a much better opening up, as Schalke were definitely still in charge and taking advantage of their ever-improving situation. Although that got shaky when Bremen found their scoring boots just before the 80 minute mark. All in all though, job done. Up the table we go.

Here are the player ratings.