The prospect of VfL Bochum’s seventh relegation from the Bundesliga looms ever closer after their goalless draw against fellow contenders 1. FC Heidenheim. However, the match was marred by concerns for Heidenheim’s goalkeeper Kevin Müller, who suffered a serious injury following a collision during the game, leaving him on the pitch in distress in front of 15,000 spectators. His teammate Tim Siersleben promptly moved him into a stable position, and after a lengthy treatment, the 34-year-old was carried off the field (60).
With upcoming matches against European hopefuls FSV Mainz 05 and newly promoted FC St. Pauli, VfL Bochum remains four points behind Heidenheim and the relegation playoff spot. The FCH had previously set a relegation playoff as their season goal months ago. In their second Bundesliga season, the East Alb region club will also face 1. FC Union Berlin away and Werder Bremen at home as the season winds down.
VfL Bochum has only secured two victories on the road this season. Coach Dieter Hecking expressed optimism before the crucial match for survival, stating, „I enjoy these types of matches. The anticipation for this final game is huge,“ despite the team’s struggles away from home. Their only away victories were granted after a match against Union due to a forfeit from a thrown object and a remarkable comeback against record champions FC Bayern Munich with a score of 3-2 after trailing 0-2.
Hecking likely felt even more hopeful after a strong start to the match, as VfL striker Georgios Masouras forced Müller into an early save.
However, Bochum faced an early setback as forward Philipp Hofmann left the game injured after just eight minutes. Leonardo Scienza, who was making his first start in weeks, also had to exit early due to injury (28). Heidenheim’s offensive player sustained an injury in a similar aerial duel.
Heidenheim’s head coach Frank Schmidt emphasized the importance of the match, stating, „It’s everything for us, but not everything or nothing.“ His team, missing yellow-card suspended Niklas Dorsch, initially applied pressure through set pieces. Bochum managed to handle these threats and kept the match competitive.
Chances continued to arise for both teams; however, the best opportunity was squandered by Myron Boadu, who replaced Hofmann (32). On the other end, Timo Horn saved Bochum from conceding against an advancing Marnon Busch (35).
The second half began with a shock when Müller was injured after a heavy collision with Ibrahima Sissoko and required approximately ten minutes of treatment before being carried off to supportive calls of “Kevin Müller” from the crowd. Frank Feller substituted for him.
Both teams struggled to refocus on the relegation battle after the lengthy interruption. Following the delay, the home team appeared more threatening. However, they were unable to secure a late winner, as Bochum’s goalkeeper Timo Horn deflected a shot from Adrian Beck onto the outside of the post in the 10th minute of stoppage time.