Bochum’s chances of remaining in the Bundesliga looked bleak despite the presence of Leon Goretzka. Fortuna Düsseldorf secured a 3-0 victory in the first leg of the relegation/promotion playoff, with an own goal, a counterattack, and a rebound giving them a significant advantage. Bochum defender Philipp Hofmann was unfortunate as Tzolis’ corner deflected off his thigh for the first goal, followed by goals from Felix Klaus and Yannik Engelhardt.
Despite Bayern Munich midfielder Goretzka’s support from the stands, Bochum suffered its third consecutive loss following a brief period of hope with a 4-3 victory over Union Berlin. Bochum’s defeat to Werder Bremen, coupled with Union’s late win over Freiburg, led to their relegation battle against Düsseldorf. Bochum, finishing third from bottom in the Bundesliga, is fighting to remain in the top division, while Düsseldorf seeks a return to the Bundesliga after being relegated in 2000.
The teams are set to face each other again in Düsseldorf for the second leg of the playoff, with Bochum needing a strong performance to overturn the deficit. St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel have already been promoted to the Bundesliga after finishing first and second in the second division, further raising the stakes for Bochum and Düsseldorf in their quest for promotion or survival.
