Lifeless Borussia Dortmund held to 1-1 draw by Bochum
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund dropped points in their first away game of the Bundesliga season once again, as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against VfL Bochum.
The first Ruhr Derby of the season ended in a draw, as Donyell Malen canceled out Kevin Stöger’s first-half opener to earn Borussia Dortmund the share of the spoils against VfL Bochum. It was yet another uninspired performance from the Black and Yellows, who were second best for the majority of the game and were lucky to not go home with a defeat.
Edin Terzic made three changes to the side that beat FC Köln last weekend, with Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Marius Wolf coming into the team to replace Marco Reus, Niklas Süle, and the injured Julian Ryerson. Mateu Morey was included in the BVB matchday squad for the first time in more than 800 days.
Borussia Dortmund started well and nearly took the lead in the sixth minute, with Manuel Riemann having to be at full stretch to keep out Sebastien Haller’s goal-bound header.
Bochum responded immediately, and Gregor Kobel had to be on full alert to keep out Philipp Hofmann’s header. But the Switzerland international stood no chance with Kevin Stöger’s stunning strike from an improbable angle which gave Bochum the lead in the 13th minute.
The goal left Borussia Dortmund a bit rocked and they had the crossbar to thank in the 32nd minute, as it prevented Hofmann from doubling Bochum’s lead.
Borussia Dortmund looked much more coherent going forward at the start of the second half. And they got their equaliser in the 55th minute, with Donyell Malen finding the back of the net from the edge of the box. Although just like his goal last weekend, the Dutchman got a bit lucky as Riemann failed to make what should have been fairly routine save.
Felix Nmecha then hit the outside of the post, before Gregor Kobel made a full-stretch save to keep Borussia Dortmund on level terms as both sides searched for a winning goal. Bochum came closest to scoring late on, with former BVB youngster Patrick Osterhage hitting the post.
Borussia Dortmund player ratings from 1-1 draw vs Bochum. dark. Next
In the end, the two teams had to settle for a draw and Borussia Dortmund will be the happier side with that result based on the balance of play. Next up for BVB is a home game against newly promoted side 1. FC Heidenheim, and anything other than a comfortable win would heap more pressure on last season’s Bundesliga runners-up.