The “mission to stay up” started with a setback for VfL Bochum. On the first matchday of the Bundesliga, VfL lost 1:2 (1:1) to 1. FSV Mainz 05 at home.
The guests took the lead on Saturday (06.08.2022) through Karim Onisiwo (26th), which the VfL newcomer and ex-Mainzer Kevin Stöger equalized before the break (39th). But in the second half, Onisiwo headed in again (77′) and put Mainz on the road to victory.
Stöger still misses the first long-range shot
First, Mainz set the tone with the more mature game system. But VfL was always looking for opportunities to move forward. After eleven minutes, Stöger had the first chance with a long-range shot after an unsuccessful attempt by FSV goalkeeper Robin Zentner, but missed the goal from over 30 meters.
A little later, the hosts vehemently demanded a hand penalty. But because the ball had jumped from his own body to the arm of ex-Bochum Maxim Leitsch, referee Felix Zwayer decided against it (19th).
Onisiwo head first
A cold shower followed for Bochum. A tee shot by VfL goalkeeper Manuel Riemann landed just behind the center line at the opponent. Shortly thereafter, a long Fernandes cross found Onisiwo, who headed it to make it 0-1.
But Bochum didn’t let that shock them, remained fighting – and had the necessary luck when a Stöger cross from the left dropped over Zentner to make it 1-1 in the Mainz goal.
Not enough danger from Bochum – Onisiwo for the second time
The same picture in the second half: Mainz optically superior, Bochum stayed in the game because of the intensity. Finally, a standard brought the decision in favor of the guests. Onisiwo stole away at the far post from a corner kick from the left and headed the ball into the far corner to score the winning goal.
Bochum will play in Hoffenheim on Matchday 2 on Saturday (08/13/2022). Mainz 05 will face Union Berlin on Sunday.