Stöger spot-kick gives Bochum a vital point against 10-man Union
A battle of different significance took place in Berlin this afternoon. Union Berlin set out in search of another three points in their hunt for Champions League football next season. Meanwhile, Bochum knew any positive result in Köpenick would reward more vital points in the battle against the drop. In the end it would be honours even, as Kevin Stöger’s penalty guided Letsch’s troops to a valuable point.
The electric Köpenick atmosphere spurred Union to a rip-roaring start. Roussillon’s cross was prevented from reaching Khedira, while the resulting corner fell to Doekhi who fired over. While Bochum weathered the early storm, Behrens did come close with a headed effort on 20 minutes.
The loss of Kevin Schlotterbeck to injury was a worrying sign for Bochum fans. However, Thomas Letsch’s men coped well as Dominique Heintz filled the void. Jérôme Roussillon almost surprised himself when he came close to giving Union the lead in the 38th minute. The Frenchman’s cross sailed over Riemann who was relieved to see the ball hit the crossbar. Just before the interval Union hit the front through Josip Juranović. The Croatian wing-back’s mesmerising freekick was too precise for Riemann who couldn’t prevent the hosts taking a 1-0 lead into the dressing rooms.
Bochum wrestled control in their favour after break. ‘Die Unabsteigbaren’ were gifted a lifeline on 55 minutes when Laidouni fouled Ordets inside the box. Just as he did against Stuttgart last time out, Kevin Stöger strolled up to convert from the spot. Things would go from bad to worse for Urs Fischer as Paul Jaekel received his marching orders. A foul on Osterhage resulted in a second yellow card and Union were reduced to 10-men.
It briefly appeared like Behrens had forced Riemann into an own-goal. Fortunately for the Bochum keeper, the striker was offside when Laidouni played the striker in. Chances began to rain in at both ends towards the death. A quick Bochum corner almost caught the Union rear guard flat-footed, while Behrens spurned two guilt edged chances in quick succession. A relatively fair 1-1 draw in the end despite the wasted opportunities spurned by the Köpenick side.