Bundesliga: Bochum loses in the relegation first leg against Düsseldorf

Bundesliga relegation
Match point Düsseldorf: Second division team shoots down VfL Bochum

Goalkeeper Andreas Luthe, furious with himself, stalked into the dressing room, the remaining professionals dragged themselves to their completely disappointed fans with perplexed faces. 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 was defensively vulnerable and offensively harmless on Thursday evening.

“It’s difficult after a game like that, after a 0:3. The boys should work their asses off,” said Keven Schlotterbeck. “We don’t want to be relegated like that.” An unfortunate own goal by VfL striker Philipp Hofmann (13th minute) had initiated the defeat. Felix Klaus scored Fortuna’s second goal (64th minute), Yannik Engelhardt the third (72nd minute). Düsseldorf, with coach Daniel Thioune, can complete promotion on Monday at home against the weak away team Bochum.

Anything other than VfL’s seventh Bundesliga relegation would be a huge surprise. “We’ll let them celebrate over there and make a counterattack on Monday,” said Schlotterbeck in a combative manner. However, the people of Düsseldorf didn’t want to celebrate too quickly. “If we score three goals in Bochum, Bochum can do the same in Düsseldorf,” said Marcel Sobottka.

Grönemeyer supports VfL Bochum

Despite the quarrels surrounding regular goalkeeper Manuel Riemann, VfL seemed ready for this game and had prominent support. Long before that, Pott icon Herbert Grönemeyer encouraged the Bochum professionals via Instagram: “My heart beats with you and my confidence knows no limits.” Shortly before kick-off, his Bochum anthem was played over the loudspeakers. Bochum native Goretzka from FC Bayern also sang along in the stands in a legendary VfL jersey.

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.

Riemann crash in Bochum

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.

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.

Fortuna Düsseldorf leads early

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.

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.

VfL fans angry and disappointed

And then it happened and twice. After an inaccuracy in the attack, Bochum’s defense was exposed. Düsseldorf quickly played forward from their own penalty area, Tzolis set up Klaus and this time he beat Luthe. Butscher also sat on the Bochum bench in consternation for a moment. But things got even worse with the visitors’ third goal, where Luthe didn’t look good. “We want to see you fight,” demanded the VfL fans. It did not help. After the final whistle, the players were met with the anger and disappointment of their supporters. Gesturing wildly, some of them behind the gang vented their anger.

Note: This article has been updated several times.

tkr/Thomas Eßer and Jens Marx
DPA