Roman Weidenfeller delivered another top display in his 450th appearance for Borussia Dortmund, saving well from Bartels and Delaney in the opening half and ultimately helping the Black and Yellows to pick up a narrow but deserved 2-1 victory at the Weser-Stadion.

"We should've really seen out the win more calmly towards the end," declared the veteran, who saved four of Bremen's five shots on target. Ultimately, though, he was delighted to have got the points on the board: "Ultimately we're just happy that we got the victory. We have now picked up the first three points of the New Year. That marks the start of our catch-up mission."

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If everything goes according to plan, Weidenfeller's place between the sticks will be taken by Roman Bürki in Mainz next Sunday. The Swiss shot-stopper returns to friendly action in Erfurt tomorrow two months after sustaining a broken hand. In that case, Weidenfeller's 451st competitive appearance will have to wait until 8 February, when BVB face Hertha BSC in the DFB Cup. (br)