Bundesliga demotion - Following a tense penalty shootout, Bochum manages to catch up in Düsseldorf, maintaining their top-tier standing.
In a nail-biting relegation match, VfL Bochum managed to preserve their league status and shockingly edged out Fortuna Düsseldorf in the last minute with a 6:5 penalty shootout. After an initial 0:3 deficit from the first leg, the Bochum squad miraculously turned the tide at the packed Düsseldorf EM Arena during a thrilling encounter. Unfortunate was Fortuna's player Takashi Uchino, who missed the decisive 12th penalty kick, sending the ball over the goal.
VfL Bochum's remarkable comeback in Düsseldorf
During regular time and extra time, it was 3:0 (1:0) on Monday evening. Regular time saw two goals from Philipp Hofmann in the 18th and 66th minutes, while Kevin Stöger scored the third in the 70th to force extra time. As the Fortuna fans celebrated in the stadium, there was utter disbelief at the Bochumers' stunning victory. The excitement was palpable even before the game, with bars in the city hosting live broadcasts and being packed. There was a kilometer-long fan march to the stadium more than two hours before the game, with Düsseldorf eager to return to Bundesliga football after a four-year absence. Unfortunately, this cheer did not last until the end. The hosts squandered their almost certain promotion. Conversely, the Bochumers couldn't believe their fortune, taking full advantage of the opportunities presented.
Bundesliga relegation hinges on penalty shootout
Fortuna performed well on the field, interim coach Heiko Butscher made three changes and brought back captain Anthony Losilla to the starting lineup. Bochum owned the game, with Hofmann netting a goal off a Stöger free kick and a 2:0 lead. Fortuna had been playing cautiously, with only a few offensive situations created via counterattacks and striker Christos Tzolis. But the host's defense had been lax, enabling Bochum to score from close range.
Following half an hour, Vince Vermeij had a golden opportunity to equalize but narrowly missed. The intensity increased as the loud support from the stands motivated the Rheinlanders to better offensive plays. Tzolis constantly threatened in attack, yet managed to miss his opportunities, even his corner kicks failed to create a significant danger.
However, Hofmann, who had only scored four goals throughout the season, netted the decisive third goal after a Stöger cross, making it 3:0. Then, Bochum was awarded a penalty kick and a controversial handball decision: Matthias Zimmermann was penalized inside the penalty area. Stöger converted the penalty kick flawlessly, leaving keeper Florian Kastenmeier powerless.
With this unexpected outcome, Dusseldorf will remain in the 2nd league for another year, putting a halt to their promotion dreams. The celebrations had to be canceled. Sportingly, the team will likely enter the next season without their best players like Tzolis. They will face tough competition in their quest to return to the Bundesliga. The Bochum team, on the other hand, can plan for their fourth consecutive year, but must also address the coach's position.
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Source: www.stern.de
