VfL Bochum - FC Bayern: Bundesliga Top Match
VfL Bochum sensationally wins against mighty FC Bayern Munich
Bavarians lose 4-2 despite two goals from Müller
VfL Bochum caused a sensation on Saturday evening (February 11, 2023) in the Bundesliga. The promoted team sensationally defeated the record champions FC Bayern Munich 4-2 (1-1). Bayern professional Thomas Müller had previously given the guests the lead twice, but Bochum always came back strong. In the end, goals from Philipp Hofmann (3'), Gerrit Holtmann (40'), Christopher Antwi-Adjei (69'), and Simon Zoller (87') ensured a deserved home win.
Bochum coach Thomas Letsch's starting eleven included six winter signings. Goalkeeper Patrick Pentke celebrated his Bundesliga debut for VfL. Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann, on the other hand, had to do without several regulars due to injuries. In addition to Neuer, Mané, Mazraoui, and Gnabry, Lucas Hernandez was also out.
The hosts from Bochum started the game bravely and deservedly took the lead early on. After a cross from the left by Danilo Soares, Simon Zoller headed the ball across to Philipp Hofmann, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner from close range (3').
Bayern initially seemed shocked, but then gradually took control of the game. The Munich team created several good chances, but they initially failed to score. In the 36th minute, however, Thomas Müller converted a penalty to equalize after Bochum goalkeeper Patrick Pentke had fouled Jamal Musiala in the penalty area.
Shortly before the break, Bochum struck again. Gerrit Holtmann took advantage of a mistake by Dayot Upamecano and fired the ball into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area (40').
After the break, Bayern initially pushed for an equalizer. Müller was on the spot again in the 54th minute after a cross from Kingsley Coman. But Bochum remained dangerous on the counterattack and had several chances to extend their lead.
In the 69th minute, Christopher Antwi-Adjei scored the 3-2 for the hosts. The Ghanaian international completed a counterattack initiated by Philipp Hofmann with a low shot into the corner.
Bayern threw everything forward in the final stages, but Bochum defended passionately. In the 87th minute, Simon Zoller put the exclamation point on the sensational victory with a header after a cross from Saidy Janko.
With this win, VfL Bochum climbed to 14th place in the table. Bayern Munich remains at the top of the standings, but their lead over Union Berlin has shrunk to just one point.
Statements after the game
Thomas Letsch (VfL Bochum coach): "I'm incredibly proud of my team. We played a great game and deserved to win. We showed that we can compete with the big teams."**
Julian Nagelsmann (FC Bayern coach): "Congratulations to VfL Bochum. They played a very good game and deserved to win. We were too imprecise in our passing game and made too many mistakes."**
