Bochum manages to avoid relegation in a thrilling penalty shootout.
VfL Bochum made the impossible happen - they managed not to be relegated from the Bundesliga despite a 3-0 defeat in the initial relegation playoff match. In the rematch against Fortuna Düsseldorf, Bochum outshone themselves and pulled off a miracle in the penalty shootout.
Despite seemingly being defeated under the guidance of coach Heiko Butscher, Bochum held on to their spot in the Bundesliga due to a historic comeback. In the second round at Fortuna Düsseldorf, Bochum emerged victorious with a score of 6:5 in penalty shootouts, a near unbelievable accomplishment. The score had stayed at 0:3 (0:3, 0:1) after 120 minutes.
Previously, no team in the Bundesliga relegation had been able to overcome a 0:3 deficit after the initial leg. Philipp Hofmann (18th/66th) and previous Düsseldorfer Kevin Stöger (70th, handball penalty) played a significant part in sparing the Bochum team during the extension. During the penalty shootout, the Düsseldorfers, under pressure, stumbled. Unfortunate was Düsseldorf's Takashi Uchino, who missed the twelfth penalty shot above the crossbar.
The Düsseldorfers of coach Daniel Thioune, who were apparently challenged with their own nerves in light of the clear result in the initial leg, will have to make another attempt to return to the German top division. The two-time cup winner last played in the top division in the 2019/20 season. Fortuna's sports director Klaus Allofs issued a warning only a few minutes before the game and continued the Düsseldorfers' self-criticism of the past few days.
Bochum took the initiative after the referee whistled and did not take unnecessary risks. Upon one minute, the hosts nearly scored, but Ao Tanaka's shot missed the mark due to a bad deflection. Bochum then began to control the match, while Düsseldorf relied on counterattacks with their Hinspiel hero Christos Tzolis.
Düsseldorf hardly had any chances, but they held on to their slim lead, with Stöger's half-hearted shot at seven minutes being the closest call. Bochum had several opportunities as well, with Hofmann's head finding Stöger's free kick and nearly scoring. It became apparent that Düsseldorf now had something to lose. They continuously made mistakes in front of their own 18-yard box. Bochum showed particular danger with set pieces. A Stöger free kick missed just barely, then Schlotterbeck's (44th) header was a moment too late. Daschner (44th) also had a sloppy finish that almost led to a goal.
In the second half, the Bundesliga team maintained their lead in the game and had several chances to score, but failed. A Daschner (50th) shot just missed the goal, and Bochum had several close brushes. Butchers' side finally turned the tide when Hofmann (66th) and Stöger (70th) scored, giving them new hope to maintain their status.
Düsseldorf, though unsure, handed the momentum to Bochum. The Düsseldorfers' goalkeeper, Florian Kastenmeier, prevented a goal with a sensational save, stopping the score from advancing to 0:5 (72%). In the extra time, neither team took significant risks, and Bochum had the better outcome in the penalty shootout.
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VfL Bochum's victory in the penalty shootout against Fortuna Düsseldorf in the relegation matches secured their place in the Bundesliga, saving them from relegation to Bundesliga 2. The crucial penalty shootout was a turning point in the Soccer Bundesliga relegation playoff, where Bochum outshone their opponents to win 6-5. This remarkable comeback by VfL Bochum in the Soccer Bundesliga relegation matches saved them from facing Fortuna Düsseldorf again in the following season.
Source: www.ntv.de
