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Arminia Bielefeld lost at VfL Bochum shortly before the end. The Bielefeld team can only reach relegation rank, but they need the help of VfB Stuttgart to do so.
Due to the 1:2 (1:1) at the start of the 33rd game day at VfL Bochum, which had already been saved, Bielefeld remains in 17th place in the table, which means direct relegation. For a rescue, Arminia (27 points) needs a high home win against Leipzig on the last day of the game.
At the same time, Stuttgart (30 points) is not allowed to score a point against Cologne. In the event of a Stuttgart defeat, Bielefeld would also have to make up seven goals. Hertha BSC (33 points) in 15th place can no longer be reached by Bielefeld.
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“The boys are just as disappointed as me and the fans. We are now dependent on Bayern winning.”said Marco Kostmann, coach of Arminia Bielefeld: “It was a very mixed start for us, because the psyche influenced the physique. We couldn’t calm down the game.”
| Platz | Team | 34th matchday |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Hertha | Dortmund (A) |
| 16 | Stuttgart | Cologne (H) |
| 17 | Bielefeld | Leipzig (H) |
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Bochum initially better and in the lead
Bochum was clearly the better team at the beginning, had several chances and took the lead in the 22nd minute. Sebastian Polter headed in Milos Pantović’s cross from the right. Bielefeld’s goalkeeper Stefan Ortega only saved the ball behind the goal line.
The equalizer was all the more surprising: Joakim Nilsson also headed in a free-kick cross from Gonzalo Castro from the right half-field (35th minute).
Bielefeld strengthened after equalization – but loses
Bielefeld now made the game more balanced and also came out of the break better. The game flattened out significantly in the second half. Bielefeld, however, missed another good chance: Sebastian Vasiliadis passed Burak Ince on the right side of the penalty area – but his shot at the right angle went just wide of the goal (83′). And so Arminia conceded the goal that almost means relegation: Bochum’s Simon Zoller was free in front of goalkeeper Ortega, in a defensive action Bielefeld’s George Bello steered the ball into his own goal.
“We didn’t take our chances and then there were few chances in the second half. If you make it 2-1 with the last move, that just fits the whole season.”said Bochum coach Thomas Reis. “We’re all proud today. It was just a great season.” For VfL Bochum, the relegation battle was no longer about anything. With 40 points, the team is firmly in the middle of the table and will play Union Berlin on May 14th at 3:30 p.m.
Bochum’s fans celebrate long, especially Robert Tesche
While Bielefeld has to reckon with relegation, the VfL fans celebrated with their team long after the final whistle. Last summer, VfL was promoted from the 2nd Bundesliga.
Robert Tesche was particularly celebrated on his departure – he played a decisive role in the rise in the final phase of last season. “Without Tesche we wouldn’t be here at all”, chanted the fans.
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