Bochum (dpa) - VfB Stuttgart has landed an important away win in an effort to return to the Bundesliga.
The Swabians won 1-0 (0-0) at the end of the 22nd second division match day at VfL Bochum and are again tied for second in the table after the Hamburger SV draw in Hanover. The chasing duo is three points behind leaders Arminia Bielefeld. In front of 18,090 spectators, Hamadi Al Ghaddioui scored the winning goal cheered on by VfB fans on Monday evening in the Ruhr Stadium in Bochum. The Revierclub remains in 15th place with 23 points in acute danger of relegation.
Bochum were able to appear more confident after the important 1-0 away win in Wiesbaden, but were initially put on the defensive by the playfully superior VfB. So it was no wonder that the Swabians had great chances. After a corner, Gonzalo Castro (4th) forced Bochum's goalkeeper Manuel Riemann to a brilliant parade. On the other hand, a long-range shot from Mboussy Ganvoula (10th) slid just over the VfB goal. After that, the Swabians who had been without a win since September 27 (1-0 in Bielefeld) took command again. And it only seemed a matter of time before the ball landed in the Bochum housing.
But first, the hosts gave a good opportunity to lead. After a quick counterattack, Simon Zoller flanked Ganvoula (27th), whose header narrowly missed the target. After half an hour, Silas Wamangituka managed to push the ball past the empty VfL goal from ten meters.
The Bochumers came out of the cabin a little bolder, but were unable to score any notable goals. But the Stuttgart team, driven by captain Daniel Didavi, often acted too cumbersome and not determined enough. Forward Mario Gomez was completely ineffective and was taken off the pitch by coach Pellegrino Matarazzo after 65 minutes. In the end, substitute Al Ghaddioui still managed to win.
Results and table 2. Bundesliga