Bremen in driver’s seat against Valencia

(GSM) – A penalty by Torsten Frings gave Werder Bremen the edge in the Europa League on Thursday as the Germans earned a 1-1 draw in the Round of 16 first-leg match away to Valencia.

Werder Bremen went ahead with a crucial away goal on 24 minutes when Torsten Frings penalty hit the net after a handball by Éver Banega inside the Valencia penalty area.

Matters got worse for Los Ché in the 55th minute when Banega earned a straight red card after the fourth official gave word of an offense to the match referee.

But Valencia pulled level just two minutes later as Juan Manuel Mata tucked home on the rebound after a shot by David Silva deflected into his path.

Neither side managed another goal, and Bremen will carry an away-goal advantage back to the Weserstadion for the second leg.