2. Bundesliga: Bochum edge closer to survival with hard-fought win over Fürth

VfL Bochum ran out 2-1 winners against Greuther Fürth this afternoon, taking a significant step towards securing their 2. Bundesliga status.

Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images

A brace from the ever-reliable Philipp Hofmann put Bochum firmly in control, before a late strike from Noel Futkeu ensured a nervy finish for the hosts, who ultimately held on for a vital three points.

Bochum made the perfect start, breaking the deadlock after just 48 seconds. Maximilian Wittek’s delivery found Hofmann in space, and the striker capitalised on a slip from Aaron Keller to calmly slot past Silas Prüfrock.

Fürth responded approaching the half-hour mark with their first real opportunity. Paul Will whipped a cross into the box, allowing Futkeu to rise highest, but his header crashed back off the crossbar.

Despite seeing more of the ball in spells, Fürth struggled to create clear-cut chances, and Bochum carried their slender 1-0 advantage into the break.

The hosts began the second half with similar intensity and doubled their lead in the 56th minute. Wittek turned provider once again, his corner finding Hofmann, who powered a header goalward that crossed the line despite a desperate attempt to clear.

Hofmann thought he had completed his hat-trick shortly after the hour mark. Noah Loosli’s header rebounded off the crossbar and fell kindly to the striker, who finished from close range, only for VAR to rule the effort out for offside.

Fürth increased the pressure late on and were handed a lifeline in the 87th minute. A low ball into the area was initially miscued by Branimir Hrgota, but the captain reacted quickly to lift it back into the path of Futkeu, who fired past Timo Horn to reduce the deficit.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time but were unable to carve out another clear opportunity, as Bochum held firm to secure a crucial victory.

The result sees Bochum return to winning ways and, more importantly, move six points clear of the relegation zone with just three games remaining. For Fürth, it marks a frustrating setback, as Heiko Vogel’s side slip to 17th place and fail to build on last week’s win over Darmstadt.