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Away victories are nice! This one especially, as VfL managed to pick up three extremely important points in Sinsheim after two defeats without a goal! Takuma Asano scored both goals in the 2-1 win against TSG Hoffenheim for Thomas Reis’ team, which once again put in a brilliant performance!
On Bundesliga matchday 28, VfL Bochum 1848 travelled to Hoffenheim on Saturday afternoon. Our clash with TSG 1899 was attended by 15,014 spectators . It was only the third time that the boys in blue-and-white had to play a competitive away match against Hoffenheim. Compared to the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, head coach Thomas Reis made five changes. Especially in the back four there were some changes with Maxim Leitsch, Danilo Soares and Cristian Gamboa returning. In addition, Takuma Asano and Milos Pantovic moved into the first eleven while Armel Bella Kotchap (suspension), Herbert Bockhorn, Eduard Löwen, Gerrit Holtmann and Christopher Antwi-Adjei did not start.
This is how the game went:
1′ The ball is rolling. Let’s go, Blue-and-Whites!
2′ VfL are threatening for the first time. Polter helps on a pass for the speedy Asano. Unfortunately, our Japanese player misses thechance to pass to the unmarked Pantovic.
3′ We are in the game! Rexhbecaj shoots, but is blocked. Stafylidis – on loan from Hoffenheim – takes a shot which Baumann can’t smother. Then Asano gets to the ball and wins a corner kick.
4′ The corner is not without danger either, but TSG can clear the ball.
5′ Five minutes have passed in the PreZero Arena. Really strong, how the boys “vonne Castroper” are performing so far. Keep it up!
9′ Now the hosts are also in the game. First corner for TSG but Bochum defend well.
11′ A strong move by VfL. Gamboa steals the ball from Raum before striking a long ball into the middle. Soares is lurking outside the box to shoot from 22 yards – just over.
14′ Double chance for TSG. First Kramaric, then Bebou but Riemann is there.
20′ Kramaric has space for his shot, but it is too central and Riemann collects it easily.
23′ First cross by the German international Raum from the left side. Bebou tries a back heel, but our keeper is on his guard.
25′ Kramaric has too much space and can shoot again. Too central and Riemann saves again. But we have to be better defensively and pick up the players sooner.
26′ Baumgartner forces his way through on the right wing and has time to put in the cross. Raum is lurking at the second post, but doesn’t hit the ball properly.
28′ GOAL for VfL! And what a beauty! Asano puts us in the lead here. Great individual run from the left into the centre rounded off with precise shot into the left corner – 1-0 to us!
32′ Hoffenheim seem impressed – they are making mistakes now.
34′ We are staying aggressive. Another good offensive move – Pantovic just misses Stafylidis’ cross.
37′ We are winning the important duels now – this looks good.
38′ Almost 2-0 for VfL… Polter rises beautifully after a Pantovic corner and just misses the coal with his header
42′ Leitsch wins an extremely important duel. Baumgartner was on the edge of the box.
45′ Unbelievable… Pantovic clean through after Polter’s pass, has an incredible amount of time, but shoots past the near post.
45 +1′ Asano is fouled, Polter takes advantage and moves in on goal but is blocked at the last moment for a corner.
46′ No changes for VfL, TSG send on Richards and Rutter for Kaderabek and Akpoguma.
48′ Kramaric has a relatively free header but misses narrowly.
51′ Huge opportunity for TSG. Baumgartner to Kramaric who exploits a gap in the Bochum defence. Riemann reacts early and makes a strong save, Gamboa clears away the rebound.
54′ It’s 1-1. Raum has too much space on the edge of the box and curls the ball into the far corner. Stafylidis can’t get to it.
58′ We have to survive this phase now. Hoffenheim trying to turn the momentum into a second goal.
59′ GOOOOOOOAL for VfL! Asano with the brace! TSG are wide open, Riemann is quick to act and hits a precise kick to Asano. Our Japanese player beats the last TSG defender and keeps his nerve in front of Baumann – 2-1 for VfL!
61′ Holtmann comes on for Pantovic.
63′ Stafylidis plays the ball, but sees yellow.
69′ Asano to Polter, who sees Holtmann rushing in. Unfortunately, our winger cannot connect properly.
71′ Geiger replaces Stiller for the home side.
71′ Good dribbling by Holtmann. But the shot is no problem for Baumann.
73′ Osterhage comes on for Stafylidis. Great fight, Stafy!
76′ Bebou is released on the right side but misses.
77′ Strong save by Riemann! Kramaric has too much space but our number smothers his shot!
78′ It’s back and forth in the final quarter-hour. The outstanding Asano wins another duel, but Holtmann can’t get to the ball. Rexhbecaj on the rebound but Baumann saves.
79′ Leitsch pulls Baumgartner by the jersey on the edge of the box and sees yellow for his troubles.
80′ Holtmann blocks the free kick for a corner, which is also scrambled away.
85′ Hoffenheim send on Rudy and Bruun Larsen.
85′ Asano seems to make it 3-1, but the goal os ruled out because of an alleged foul by Polter – harsh decision.
86′ Big chance for TSG but Gamboa throws himself into the shot at the last moment.
88′ Bonga and Bockhorn come on for the closing minutes replacing the outstanding Asano and Gamboa.
90′ Five minutes of injury time!
90’+2 Polter and Vogt in a skirmish – both are shown the yellow card!
90’+5 Only seconds left. We are holding on to the ball until Bonga breaks away to hit the outside of the net.
Full-time: YEEEESSSSS! We win at Hoffenheim! What a strong performance again, with Asano’s brace winning the match. 35 points to our name – that’s just great!
Next week will see a clash with Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion (Sunday, 10 April, 3:30 p.m.).
