VfL Bochum and Eintracht Frankfurt are the current ones draw-Kings of the Bundesliga. The 1-1 (0-0) in the direct duel on Saturday (September 16th, 2023) was the third draw in the fourth game of the season for both clubs.
The goals of the evenly contested game were scored by Frankfurt’s Eric Dina-Ebimbe (57th) with a powerful low shot and Bochum’s Kevin Stöger (74th) with a controversial penalty kick. In the Sportschau interview, the VfL playmaker spoke of a deserved result: “We can be proud of our performance. We didn’t lose, that’s the most important thing. But if you only play in a draw, at some point it won’t be fun anymore, you just want to win.”
The first half was goalless in front of 26,000 spectators, but especially entertaining at the beginning. Bochum’s Stöger forced Kevin Trapp into a save with a long-range shot in the 4th minute, Frankfurt’s goalkeeper directed the ball onto the crossbar. Seven minutes later, Frankfurt’s Dina-Ebimbe Stöger ran away on the left side, but was denied by goalkeeper Manuel Riemann from a tight angle.
Dina-Embimbe powerfully into the corner
Even after the break the game remained intense, but initially less spectacular. Both teams showed a lot of effort without giving the impression that they were about to score.
An attack on the left side gave Frankfurt the lead. A through pass to the left landed at Omar Marmoush, who finished from a tight angle. Riemann’s defense landed centrally in the penalty area, from where Dina-Embimbe hit powerfully into the right corner. Referee Benjamin Brand initially ruled it offside, but after VAR intervention the goal counted.
Marmoush causes a foul penalty
Bochum, cheered loudly by the home crowd, was hardly impressed. But they needed help to get the equalizer they deserved. Frankfurt’s Marmoush clung to Ivan Ordets during a corner and also held his jersey. The Bochum player went down and referee Brand awarded a penalty – an acceptable but tough decision.
“If this is the new line, we will see a few more penalties in the future,” said Frankfurt goalkeeper Trapp. When taking the penalty, he speculated on a shot into the middle, but Stöger aimed it into the left corner.
Afterwards the game shifted up a gear again, both of them teams wanted the win and had chances. But no more goals were scored. Bochum now has three points and is still waiting for its first win, Frankfurt has six points and hasn’t lost yet.
Bochum in Munich, Frankfurt hosts Freiburg
Next matchday, VfL will face FC Bayern Munich (Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.). Eintracht Frankfurt will play against Freiburg one day later (5:30 p.m.).