Despite a long lead, VfL Bochum had to settle for a 1-1 draw against FC Augsburg on matchday 20 of the Bundesliga. A hand penalty equalized in stoppage time.
Artistically joined the tour: Moritz Broschinski. IMAGO/Beautiful Sports
Thomas Letsch was able to rely on his regular left-back Bernardo (after a yellow card suspension) again at VfL Bochum compared to the 1:3 against Borussia Dortmund. The Brazilian’s only change in the starting line-up was to replace Wittek, who moved to the bench. Schlotterbeck, who was back after muscular problems, also took a seat there.
For the guests from Augsburg, Jess Thorup relied on the team that narrowly lost 3-2 to FC Bayern the previous week. Dorsch was missing again with pubic bone problems, but new signing Pep Biel was on the bench.
Given difficult pitch conditions in rainy Bochum, it was the home team who initially got into the game better. After a solo across the pitch, Osterhage made a dangerous approach for the first time, but narrowly missed (9th). Antwi-Adjei then headed past Dahmen (16′).
Broschinski makes it artistic
In a hard-fought game with many small fouls and few playful elements, Augsburg initially remained harmless offensively. Bochum, on the other hand, created the next dangerous situation after a short corner. Demirovic was unable to clear Antwi-Adjei’s cross with his head, but instead the ball landed at Broschinski, who artistically made it 1-0 with a side kick from five meters (33′).
As a result, Augsburg became a little more active and approached cautiously. Rexhbecaj had the best finish, narrowly missing the goal from 16 meters – although Vargas had probably been offside beforehand. However, VfL keeper Riemann was not faced with a real challenge, which is why the score remained 1-0 at the break.
More had to come from FCA in the second half – and Jess Thorup’s team became more active. However, it lacked the final impact. Tietz first failed to get his cross pass to Demirovic (49′), then he put a header into the arms of Riemann (50′). Even in the further attacking efforts, Bochum always had one foot in the way, and Broschinski themselves introduced them again (53′).
Pep Biel makes his debut
Thorup reacted and brought in his new signing Pep Biel for Tietz, who moved into the attacking midfield. Vargas took over the striker position and immediately attracted attention. He brought a long shot from Uduokhai onto the goal with the first contact from 15 meters – but right at Riemann (61′).
The FCA also continued to have a difficult time with the Spanish playmaker, which is why Thorup, among others, added striker Michel for center player Jensen. Meanwhile, the Bochum team switched to a five-man chain by bringing in Schlotterbeck for Stöger – and that didn’t allow much.
Kwarteng and Bero miss, Demirovic scores from the spot
Instead, VfL should have decided the game. First Kwarteng failed in front of the goal after a major bad pass from Dahmen (75th), then Bero also missed in front of the FCA keeper, who reacted strongly this time (76th) and a little later from a distance (80th).
So the final phase became exciting again. Substitute Maier simply tried from a distance for FCA, but his powerful shot landed on the post (86′). A little later it was a short corner after which Maier again came through and hit Ordets on the arm. The Ukrainian tried to move away, but used his forearm to prevent the ball from reaching the goal. Patrick Ittrich pointed to the spot after a VAR check. Demirovic took responsibility and scored the 1-1 equalizer (90th + 1), which also marked the final score and caused Bochum to hang their heads.
Next Saturday (3:30 p.m.) VfL travels to Eintracht Frankfurt. Augsburg hosts RB Leipzig at the same time.