There it is, the first win of the season: VfL Bochum sent a sign of life against 1. FC Heidenheim in the relegation battle of the Bundesliga.
On Sunday, the Bochum team celebrated a 2-0 (2-0) win in front of their home crowd in the Ruhr Stadium thanks to a convincing performance. Goals from Moritz Broschinski (6th) and Matus Bero (38th) made the first win of the season possible. Bochum remains bottom of the table despite the three points, but is now only four points behind relegation place 16. This is occupied by Heidenheim.
VfL gets off to a furious start: Sissoko and Bero are spinning
From the start, the home team set the tone on Castroper Straße. Bochum were more grippy in the duels than Heidenheim, followed up well – and took the first chance at the front for a dream start in this very important basement duel. The brilliant Ibrahima Sissoko made his way down the right and found Broschinski with a cross. He volleyed the ball to take the early lead.
It was the first goal ever in the opening quarter of an hour for Bochum this Bundesliga season. And the feeling of success inspired VfL. Coach Dieter Hecking’s team pushed for the second goal, Heidenheim was mainly occupied with defense. VfL goalkeeper Patrick Drewes did not have to intervene in the first half.
Bochum’s Bero in particular put the FCH defense to the test. The lively offensive player narrowly missed the goal with a flick (38′), but made it 2-0 in the same minute of the game: with a physical illusion he left two Heidenheimers standing and then finished unstoppable. The half-time lead was well deserved, there was thunderous applause from the Bochum fans.
Heidenheim finds no remedy against VfL
Meanwhile, Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt was anything but satisfied with his team’s performance. Accordingly, it was not surprising that Schmidt made diligent substitutions in the second half. Stefan Schimmer, Mikkel Kaufmann and Marnon Busch replaced Jan Schöppner, Paul Wanner and Jonas Föhrenbach (46th).
And as a result, Heidenheim actually fired a warning shot across the bow of Bochum. Mathias Honsak shot from a central position and his shot flew over (49′). However, Heidenheim’s courage was not sustainable – VfL Bochum had control of the game for long periods. It wasn’t until the 69th minute that goalkeeper Drewes was seriously tested with a shot from Stefan Schimmer.
Bochum operates in the meantime Opportunity usury
The home team failed to put the lid on it several times. Felix Passlack sent a direct free kick just wide (51′). Bero, standing completely free in the penalty area, missed the ball and then put his hands above his head (68′). And Philipp Hofmann forced Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Müller to make a save (84th).
Lukas Daschner’s supposed 3-0 didn’t count – because Felix Passlack was offside (90′). So in the end it was a well-deserved 2-0 win for Bochum in the “six-point game” against Heidenheim.
1. FC Heidenheim welcomes Union Berlin
After the winter break, 1. FC Heidenheim welcomes Union Berlin for a duel on matchday 16 (11.01, 3:30 p.m.). VfL Bochum has to play against 1. FSV Mainz 05 (11.01, 3:30 p.m.).