Relegation-threatened Bochum gave their all for a win against Union Berlin to boost their survival hopes but had to make do with a point after Matúš Bero cancelled out Benedict Hollerbach’s deflected opener. The result put an end to Bochum’s five-match losing streak, but Dieter Hecking’s side still have a mountain to climb in the last three matches of the season.
Bochum 0-0 Union Berlin
Goals: 0-1 Hollerbach 17′, 1-1 Heat 68 '
In a crucial match for their Bundesliga survival hopes, Bochum fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. The home side, desperate for points to climb out of the relegation zone, faced a Union team unbeaten in their last six matches. Bochum manager Dieter Hecking made four changes to his starting lineup, including a surprise start for Cristian Gamboa, while Union’s Steffen Baumgart kept faith with the same eleven that drew 4-4 with Stuttgart last week.
Union’s Janik Haberer (l.) looks to make an early incursion into Bochum territory in a lively start to the match. – Leon Celers
The match began with both teams showing attacking intent. In the 17th minute, Union Berlin took the lead against the run of play, Benedict Hollerbach capitalising on a clearance from a corner with a powerful shot from outside the box. The ball took a deflection, leaving Bochum goalkeeper Timo Horn with no chance as it flew into the net, giving Union a 1-0 lead.
Benedict Hollerbach celebrates with captain Christopher Trimmel after scoring the opening goal against Bochum. – Leon Celers
Despite falling behind, Bochum continued to create chances. Maximilian Wittek came close with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target. The home side’s best chance of the first half fell to Jakov Medić, whose close-range header was cleared off the line by Leopold Querfeld. Union’s goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow was kept busy, but managed to preserve his team’s lead going into halftime.
Bochum’s Jakov Medić attempts a shot while under pressure from Union Berlin defenders. – Leon Celers
The second half saw both teams make changes. Bochum brought on Georgios Masouras for Gamboa at halftime, while Union replaced Diogo Leite with Kevin Vogt in the 64th minute. Bochum intensified their efforts to find an equaliser, Tom Krauß going agonisingly close in the 56th minute when his powerful strike from outside the box rattled the post. The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute when Bochum were awarded a penalty. Matúš Bero stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although Rønnow saved his initial effort, Bero reacted quickly to slot home the rebound, bringing the scores level at 1-1.
Bero scored the equaliser after his initial penalty was saved. – Imago/Mario Men/Defodi Images
The final stages of the match were filled with tension as both teams pushed for a winner. Hollerbach had two chances in quick succession for Union, but both were blocked by determined Bochum defending. In the dying moments of the game, Bochum’s Dani de Wit had a golden opportunity to snatch victory, but Rønnow produced a stunning save to deny him. The match concluded with an extended injury time of 11 minutes, largely due to an injury to Union’s Leite earlier in the half.
Rønnow denied De Wit with a crucial save late in the piece. – Image/Maik Hölter/Team2SportPhoto
While Bero’s equaliser was crucial for Bochum, it was Union Berlin’s goalkeeper Rønnow who stood out as the game’s top performer. The Danish shot-stopper made several key saves throughout the match, including the initial stop on Bero’s penalty and the vital late save to deny De Wit. Rønnow’s heroics were instrumental in securing a point for Union and denying Bochum a much-needed victory in their fight against relegation.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bochum 2.29 – Union 0.6
Fastest player: Gerrit Holtmann (Bochum), 35.89 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Benedict Hollerbach (Union), 2 percent
Most pressed player: Moritz Broschinski (Bochum), 14 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Leopold crossing (Union), +2.61
Fantasy Heroes: Matúš Busy (Bochum, 246 Points), Frederik Rønnow (Union, 255 Points), Benedict Hollerbach (Union, 185 Points)
