Tough first half, then the game was almost abandoned – and then Bochum cheered. VfL beat VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
Bochum ultimately had stronger nerves than VfB on a chaotic Saturday evening (January 20, 2024) in the Ruhrstadion. The hosts won 1-0 (0-0) thanks to Matus Bero’s goal (50th minute). Just five minutes earlier it had been hanging in the balance as to whether the game could even continue.
To the live ticker: Bochum – Stuttgart arrow right 18th matchday arrow right
Stuttgart ultras almost provoke abandonment of the game
Because initially there was only anything worth mentioning in the stands. The game was briefly interrupted early on (13th) – the fans protested against the German Football League (DFL) investor deal and threw chocolate coins onto the field. In addition, fence flags were shown that temporarily blocked escape gates and rescue routes in the guest block. Both halves of the game started with a delay.
Before the second half, the VfB Ultras were asked to take down such a banner, but they refused for around 40 minutes. After unsuccessful appearances by Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß and license player boss Christian Gentner in front of the curve, the public order office and fire department set out to assess the situation.
A little later the ball was actually placed on the kick-off point – and the second round could be started by referee Bastian Dankert.
Bochum pricks Stuttgart with man-marking
The fans had previously seen a clear distribution of roles in the first half. VfL relied on man-marking and tried to disrupt the visitors’ build-up play early on. For the first time this season, Bochum played with a four-man defense chain of Bernardo, Erhan Masovic, Noah Loosli and Tim Oermann – that worked well. Stuttgart had at least six shots on goal in the first half, but hardly posed any real danger against compact home teams.
It was a lot of piecemeal work, interruptions due to 19 fouls – just in the first section – stifled the flow of the game. Bochum’s Bernardo (36th), who has to watch BVB in the next game due to the yellow card, and Philipp Förster (42nd) made a good effort and were warned before the break. But Stuttgart’s Atakan Karazor also came late (35′), he will have to pass in the game against Leipzig because of the consistent yellow card.
Bero takes VfB by surprise after a long break
This was followed by an extremely long break due to the restart being delayed by 40 minutes. The Bochum team coped better with this: It didn’t take long until Bero took the lead after a bad pass from Angelo Stiller with only VfL’s second goal after an assist from Antwi-Adjej.
The game became more open afterwards and Stuttgart recovered. Stiller missed a shot in the six-yard box (61′), Deniz Undav hit the post (77′). On the other hand, Antwi-Adjej almost increased for Bochum, who were waiting for the counterattack. But his shot missed the goal (70′), as did Bero’s in the final phase (81′).
Towards the end, Stuttgart pressed again, VfL goalkeeper Manuel Riemann brilliantly parried against Waldemar Anton (85th). Bochum did an enormous amount of running, covering six kilometers more than VfB, who despaired despite their 17 shots on goal. VfL fought energetically – and took victory in the end.
VfB welcomes Leipzig, Bochum in the derby against BVB
Stuttgart has a game against a competitor for the international places on matchday 19. The Swabians will then host RB Leipzig (Saturday, January 27, 24, 3:30 p.m.). VfL Bochum has to survive in the “small Revierderby” against Borussia Dortmund (Sunday, 5.30 p.m.).