German Bundesliga report: Werder Bremen v Augsburg

Werder Bremen made it five wins in a row, inflicting the first defeat of 2015 on Augsburg with a 3-2 win at the Weser Stadion.

Assani Lukimya's opener was cancelled out by Ragnar Klavan, who then gave away the penalty which allowed Franco Di Santo to put Bremen back in front.

Theodor Gebre Selassie added a third for Viktor Skripnik's side who, rather than worrying about relegation as they were at the end of 2014, are now up to within three points of the European qualification places.

Tobias Werner's late second for Augsburg was nothing more than a consolation for the visitors.

Bremen also had Di Santo back in their attack to partner Davie Selke and they both showed how well their partnership is developing as the hosts attacked with intent early on.

They took the lead in the 16th minute when Zlatko Junuzovic, who ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract on Friday, crossed and Lukimya was left unmarked to head in from six yards.

Augsburg, bidding to take third place on their own ahead of Schalke, responded quickly with Klavan heading in Raul Bobadilla's cross to bring them level, helped by a slight deflection.

However, just a minute later, the referee pointed to the spot at the other end when Klavan fouled Selke. Di Santo sent Alex Manninger the wrong way to mark his return after injury with a goal.

The chances continued to arrive, with Manninger turning a Lukimya effort wide before Selke's header was blocked on the line by Werner's arm, although no penalty was awarded.

Bremen got their third goal before the half-time whistle, though, with Junuzovic again the provider and Gebre Selassie was this time left in space to head in.

Things turned worse for Augsburg when they lost both Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bobadilla to injuries in the second half, and their hopes of recovering went with them.

Bremen controlled the game with their newfound confidence and could have added a fourth, with Selke and Junuzovic both going close.

They were made to sweat for their victory when Werner reduced the arrears after Raphael Wolf's punched clearance fell to him, but Augsburg could not find an equaliser as Bremen held on.