Bochum secure first win of the season with dominant display against Heidenheim
Bochum secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Heidenheim, Moritz Broschinski and Matúš Bero converting their side's dominance to spark survival hopes for the Bundesliga's bottom club.
Bochum 2-0 Heidenheim
Goals: 1-0 Broschinski 11' (assist: Sissoko), 2-0 Bero 38' (assist: Oermann)
The Vonovia Ruhrstadion played host to in a crucial Bundesliga clash at the bottom as struggling Bochum welcomed Heidenheim. Both teams entered the match desperate for points, with Bochum notably on a club-record 16-game winless streak. The stage was set for a tense battle, but it was the home side who seized the initiative from the opening whistle.
Bochum's first-half blitz
Bochum wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match. In the sixth minute, Broschinski sent the home crowd into raptures with a clinical finish, latching onto a pinpoint cross from Ibrahima Sissoko. The early goal energized the hosts, who continued to press forward with intent.
Their dominance was further rewarded in the 38th minute when Bero doubled Dieter Hecking's side's lead with a sensational strike, leaving Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Müller with no chance.
The visitors struggled to cope with Bochum's intensity, managing only one shot on target in the first half.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Heidenheim's second-half resurgence falls short
Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt responded to the first-half onslaught with a triple substitution at the break. The changes injected new life into the visitors, who showed more attacking intent after the restart. Mathias Honsak had a golden opportunity to pull one back in the 48th minute, but fired his shot wide from close range.
Despite the increased pressure, Bochum's defence, marshalled by the impressive Bernardo, stood firm. Patrick Drewes in the Bochum goal was called into action several times, making crucial saves from Schimmer and Kaufmann.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bochum 1.66 - Heidenheim 0.63
Fastest player: Mathias Honsak (Heidenheim), 32.65 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Moritz Broschinski (Bochum), 12 percent
Most pressed player: Moritz Broschinski (Bochum), 24 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Bernardo (Bochum), +2.32
Fantasy Heroes: Matúš Bero (Bochum, 297 Points), Ibrahima Sissoko (Bochum, 281 Points), Tim Oermann (Bochum, 274 Points)
Related news
Bundesliga 2, Matchday 33 permutations
So much could be decided on the penultimate weekend in the second division...
Matchday 33 permutations
The title may be won, but European positions and relegation fates can be decided on the penultimate weekend of 2024/25...
How tight is the promotion race?
The battle for a space in the top flight remains mightily close with just two games to go in a Bundesliga 2 season that is proving as intriguing as ever...