Stuttgart works its way into the game through duels and marmoush
Overall, however, VfB were more stable than in the past few weeks and were particularly convincing in duels – over 60 percent of the duels went to the hosts. And just before the break there was also the first promising shot attempt. However, Omar Marmoush (replacing Katompa Mvumpa) just missed the Bochum goal from 20 yards out (43′).
Stuttgart continued to attack in the second half as well. And Marmoush in particular exuded danger. But his second shot from 25 meters went just wide of the left post (51st).
Bella Kotchap can’t react fast enough
And then a player from Bochum did it more precisely – but in favor of VfB. After a corner kick, Orel Mangala headed the ball in the direction of the goal and Armel Bella Kotchap’s chest tumbled over the line to give Stuttgart the lead (56′). The set piece was another opportunity for Marmoush.
Anyone who expected a Bochum assault in the episode was disappointed. The attacking efforts were timid and hardly embarrassed the Stuttgart defense. Even a triple change (62nd) by Reis didn’t bring any momentum into the Ruhrpott club’s game.
Mangala gives Bochum the chance to equalize
Instead, Stuttgart missed the decision. After a great pass from Chris Führich, Mangala appeared free in front of the opponents’ goal, but had so much time that he seemed to have a hard time deciding on the end. In the end he shot the ball in front of Bochum’s goalkeeper Manuel Riemann and missed the opportunity to make it 2-0 (77th).
And that was almost punished a little later. A harmless-looking header from Sebastian Polter hit the post, to the surprise of VfB keeper Florian Müller (83′). But there was still a balance. In the fourth minute of added time, Konstantinos Mavropanos unnecessarily fouled Polter in the penalty area – Eduard Löwen converted to equalize for Bochum.
Bochum welcomes Leipzig, Stuttgart in Hoffenheim
Stuttgart travels to Hoffenheim next Friday (February 25th, 2022), Bochum hosts RB Leipzig on Sunday.
Source: sho