Union Berlin secured a 1-0 win in a hard-fought match in Bochum. The VfL, who were short of players, fought back energetically against defeat in the second half, but did not have luck on their side.
Bochum coach Thomas Reis, who brought on three new players after the 2-0 defeat in Bielefeld – Stafylidis, Leitsch and starting debutant Osterhage started for Gamboa, Lampropoulos and the injured Holtmann – witnessed an opening phase characterised by many intense duels in midfield. Neither team succeeded in putting their opponents under pressure in the dangerous zone.
Kruse finishes skillfully
Union coach Urs Fischer also relied on a new trio compared to the 0:0 against Freiburg: Friedrich, Oczipka and Kruse came on for Baumgartl, Gießelmann and Haraguchi. And the latter completed the first fluent attack of the Berliners over several stations after Oczipka’s cross and Prömel’s header with a drop kick (16.).
The 1:0 should remain one of the rare highlights in the first half. With the lead behind them, the visitors adopted a wait-and-see attitude. VfL looked for an answer, but acted too statically. Against compact and stable Berlin, the promoted team had more ball possession, but did not get beyond the first attempts. Forays into the final third were rare, and there was no danger of scoring.
The more mature team from Köpenick also did little constructive work. Trimmel’s blocked finish after a beautiful relay (45th) was the only other noteworthy scene before they went into the dressing room.
Pantovic misses the equalizer twice
After the restart there was more action in front of both goals: Awoniyi (50.) and Prömel (52.) came close to 2:0, on the other side Stafylidis came close to equalising for the first time (53.). The Westphalians now attacked more determinedly, developed more force and the 1:1 seemed due when Pantovic finished free-standing after a rebound – over (59.).
The Berliners kept dragging their feet, showed their playful potential and at least hinted at a goal (Prömel, Trimmel, 67.).
The Reis protégés fought, left no stone unturned, but the Eiserenen, who were strong in two fights, allowed little for a long time. Both coaches brought in fresh players, Novothny did not hit the ball properly shortly after his substitution (78.).
Pantovic did: The winger nailed the ball on the lower edge of the crossbar after Bockhorn’s cross pass, the following Polter placed his header on Luthe (80.).
This remained the last chance to equalise, Union’s defensive bulwark against the tireless Westphalians held firm in the final phase. Bochum will play Wolfsburg on Sunday (17.30), 9 January, after the short winter break. Union Berlin are already guests in Leverkusen on Saturday (3.30 p.m.), 8 January.
