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Michael Gregoritsch scored a penalty in his Augsburg's win over Bochum
Photo: IMAGO/Gladys Chai von der Laage / IMAGO/Chai vd Laage
FC Augsburg made a strong statement in the relegation battle of the Bundesliga and robbed VfL Bochum of the celebration of staying in the league early on.
The table-14.
prevailed 2-0 (2-0) against their direct competitor and, with 35 points, was able to close in on Bochum to within one point.
The Bochum team remained without a win in their third home game in a row.
Andre Hahn (15th minute) and Michael Gregoritsch (43rd / penalty kick) scored the goals for the guests.
VfL coach Thomas Reis, who was only allowed to watch the game from the stands after his red card in Freiburg, made four changes to his team and called Simon Zoller back into the starting XI.
After a seven-month break due to a cruciate ligament rupture, the 30-year-old had only made two short appearances and was supposed to liven up the Bochum offensive.
“Close up – let's stay up” demanded the VfL fans on a large banner in the curve.
Ripped off Augsburg and a questionable penalty
Bochum started powerfully, but fell behind after just 15 minutes due to an individual error.
Hahn used an unsuccessful attempt to clear Maxim Leitsch with a header, and lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Manuel Riemann to make it 1-0 for the guests.
Shortly before the break, Gregoritsch converted a dubious penalty kick to make it 2-0.
Right winger Daniel Caligiuri was already on his way out of the Bochum penalty area when Danilo Soares touched him slightly.
To the surprise of almost everyone, referee Bastian Dankert awarded a penalty.
Even an offensive three-way change with Sebastian Polter, Jürgen Locadia and Danny Blum at the end of a messed-up game was no longer able to initiate the turnaround in Bochum.
see/dpa
