Relegation
Noble fan Goretzka suffers: Bochum beaten by Düsseldorf
Every reason to celebrate: Düsseldorf’s players celebrate the goal to make it 2-0. photo
© David Inderlied/dpa
Fortuna Düsseldorf wins 3-0 at VfL Bochum. The return to the Bundesliga is near. Bochum now needs a relegation miracle.
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 by VfL striker Philipp Hofmann (13th minute) led to the defeat early on. Felix Klaus scored Fortuna’s second goal (64th minute), Yannik Engelhardt the third (72nd minute). Düsseldorf 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.
Grönemeyer’s confidence is getting some dampeners
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 second division’s most goal-scoring offense (72) and the first division’s second-worst defense (74 goals conceded) met on the pitch. In addition, the change of goalkeeper in the two most important games of the season posed a certain risk for VfL.
Riemann noise hangs over the most important games
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.
But it was especially important to get off to a good start in the match against Düsseldorf, who have been unbeaten since February and in 14 games in the second division. VfL, who had slipped into the relegation zone due to 1. FC Union Berlin’s last-minute win on the last matchday, initially managed to do so.
Corner, post, thigh, own goal
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.
Luthe with a brilliant deed
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 didn’t help.