It’s fair to say that a goalfest was not to be expected at the RheinEnergieStadion, with neither team having found the net for a combined total of over 10 hours.
However, it was a fairly open start to proceedings, with Ellyes Skhiri’s first-time effort from 20 yards well saved low down to his left by Manuel Riemann.
Then, after just seven minutes, the visitors’ six-hour goal drought finally came to an end when they were awarded a penalty after Christopher Antwi-Adjei was brought down by Timo Hubers, and Kevin Stroger’s spot kick crept under the legs of Marvin Schwabe to make it 1-0 to the Blau.
This was the first penalty Bochum had been awarded this season.
The hosts went in search of a swift response, and they came close to equalising when Julian Chabot’s first-time shot from inside the area was saved low down by the alert Riemann, who did well to get a left glove behind the ball.
Despite having the worst away record in the Bundesliga this season, Bochum were competing well, with Takuma Asano’s volley from close range saved by Schwäbe as the visitors went into the break a goal to the good.
The next 45 minutes promised to be action-packed, with Koln needing to push forward for an equaliser, however this couldn’t have been further from reality with nothing in the way of attacking action for large swathes of the second half.
Bochum were frustrating the Geissbocke with their defence, which was statistically the worst in the league coming into this game, keeping Koln at bay.
Then, with just under 15 minutes remaining, Thomas Letsch’s side dealt the killer blow when the ball fell kindly for them following a free-kick, and Erhan Masovic prodded home from a few yards out to seal what could prove to be a vital victory for the Blau.
The result lifts Bochum off the foot of the table and up to 14th, while Koln remain 12th.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Erhan Masovic (Bochum)
