Football Bundesliga relegation
Promotion is just a formality – Düsseldorf is taking apart desolate Bochum
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Düsseldorf celebrates a clear victory at VfL Bochum in the first leg of the relegation. Fortuna’s ascent can hardly be denied. Bochum presents a frightening picture in the most important game of the season.
After a crushing defeat, VfL Bochum is teetering towards relegation from the Bundesliga. Coach Heiko Butscher’s team lost 3-0 (0-1) to Fortuna Düsseldorf after a disappointing performance. In front of 26,000 spectators in the Ruhrstadion – including Edelfan Leon Goretzka – the Bundesliga was 16th. Bochum is vulnerable defensively and harmless offensively.
In addition, an unfortunate own goal from VfL striker Philipp Hofmann (13th minute) initiated the defeat early on. Felix Klaus scored the second Fortuna goal (64th), Yannik Engelhardt the third (72nd). Düsseldorf can complete their promotion on Monday at home against Bochum, who are weak away from home. Anything other than VfL’s seventh Bundesliga relegation would be a huge surprise. “It’s difficult after a game like that, after a 3-0 defeat. The boys should work their asses off,” said Bochum defender Keven Schlotterbeck. “We don’t want to get relegated like that.”
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Relegation against Düsseldorf
Despite the disputes surrounding regular goalkeeper Manuel Riemann, VfL seemed ready for this match and had prominent support. Long before, Pott icon Herbert Grönemeyer had been encouraging the Bochum pros on Instagram: “My heart beats with you and my confidence knows no bounds.” Shortly before kick-off, his Bochum anthem was played over the loudspeakers. Bochum-born Goretzka from FC Bayern also sang along in the stands in a legendary VfL jersey.
Luthe replaces Riemann in Bochum’s goal
The highest-scoring offense in the second division (72) and the second-worst defense in the first division (74 goals conceded) met on the pitch. In addition, the goalkeeper change in the two most important games of the season posed a certain risk for VfL.
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Before the relegation, Riemann had not expressed the desired views on team issues, and the Bochum bosses felt that the line had been crossed. Andreas Luthe moved into goal for the already polarizing Riemann. “He radiates a damn good calm,” praised VfL coach Butscher before the start of the game. He also surprisingly left out captain Anthony Losilla from the starting lineup. “Toto is totally behind it. He will become important,” said Butscher about the veteran.
The promotion should only be a formality for Fortuna
Quelle: Getty Images/Christof Koepsel
Above all, it was important to get into the game well against Düsseldorf, who have been unbeaten in the second division since February and in 14 games. VfL, which had slipped into relegation place thanks to 1. FC Union Berlin’s last-minute win on the last matchday, initially succeeded in this.
Bochum plays frighteningly harmless
The hosts were hit all the harder by Düsseldorf’s opening goal, which could hardly have been more unfortunate. Fortuna’s loan player Christos Tzolis curled a corner from the left with a lot of spin to the near post, from there the ball bounced off the thigh of Bochum’s Hofmann and from there into the goal. Luthe was powerless. But VfL was not helpless. A short time later, Bernardo hit the post after a corner, but the ball then ended up in the hands of Fortuna keeper Florian Kastenmeier. After a rather turbulent start on both sides, things didn’t get really compelling until halftime.
Düsseldorf was superior to VfL in all respects
Source: dpa/David Inderlied
Goretzka also had to continue to worry. Especially when the guests from the Rhine almost doubled down. Luthe parried a shot from Klaus spectacularly while lying in the air with one hand. A second goal and VfL’s hopes of staying in the first division would have further diminished, so the team couldn’t be too offensive in their attempt to score an equalizer against Düsseldorf, who played relatively cool and, above all, very disciplined.
And then it happened, twice. After an inaccuracy in the attack, Bochum’s defense was exposed. Düsseldorf quickly played forward from their own penalty area, Tzolis passed to Klaus and this time he beat Luthe. Butscher also sat on the Bochum bench in dismay for a moment. But things got even worse with the guests’ third goal. “We want to see you fight,” demanded the angry VfL fans. It was no use.
