Goal conceded after 43 seconds
Schalke makes a mistake in the derby – their lead in the table is shaky
Updated on January 31, 2026 – 3:21 p.mReading time: 3 minutes
FC Schalke is still not getting going in the new year. The “Knappen” also lost ground in the derby. Fürth and Braunschweig collected important points in the basement.
The league lead is shaky: Schalke 04 lost 0-2 (0-2) in the derby at VfL Bochum on Saturday afternoon. The leaders of the 2nd Bundesliga have been winless for four games and could slip to third place as early as Sunday. To do this, SC Paderborn and Darmstadt 98 would have to win their away games in Düsseldorf and Berlin.
Kōji Miyoshi shocked Miron Muslić’s team after just 43 seconds (1st minute). Shortly before the break, Philipp Hofmann scored a dream goal (43′).
At the same time, bottom team Greuther Fürth sent a sign of life in the table cellar. The “Kleeblatt” celebrated a 2-1 win (0-0) at Holstein Kiel. Eintracht Braunschweig also gained further breathing room in the relegation battle. The Lower Saxony team defeated Karlsruher SC 1-0 (1-0).
VfL got off to a dream start. Only 43 seconds had been played when Miyoshi gave the hosts the lead. After preparatory work by Gerrit Holtmann, the Japanese put the ball into the net. Schalke then reacted well. Mika Wallentowitz had a great chance to equalize, but his shot rolled a few centimeters past the Bochum goal (10th).
A thrilling and balanced game developed. Schalke had more possession of the ball Bochum the better chances. The very agile Holtmann in particular was dangerous several times on the left side. The 30-year-old also prepared Bochum’s second goal. This time Hofmann used his precise pass in the middle. The striker shot in powerfully with the help of the crossbar.
In the second half, Schalke increased the pressure with new signing Dzeko. After a corner, Nikola Katić scored the supposed goal. However, referee Michael Bacher ruled a foul and disallowed the goal. Another Schalke goal from Kenan Karaman was subsequently disallowed due to a previous handball by Dzeko.
