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Simon Zoller (right) knocks out Bielefeld
Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images
VfL Bochum defeated Arminia Bielefeld 2-1 (1-1) in the Friday evening game of matchday 33.
Sebastian Polter scored the opening goal for Bochum (10th minute), Joakim Nilsson equalized in the 35th minute.
The winning goal came from Simon Zoller (90') shortly before the end of the game.
The starting position for the relegation-threatened Bielefeld team was clear before the kick-off: with two points behind VfB Stuttgart and only two games left, VfL Bochum had to score points, ideally three times.
Ortega saves several times
The hope that VfL, who had been rescued last weekend, would take things a little easier was not fulfilled.
The hosts played with pressure from the start and created great chances early on.
Polter's header was just deflected to the post by Stefan Ortega (2nd minute), less than 60 seconds later Gerrit Holtmann missed a spectacular header opportunity from a few meters (3rd).
Bielefeld could thank goalkeeper Ortega that things didn't look dramatic after 15 minutes: he made a world-class save against Miloš Pantović after 13 minutes, two minutes later he reacted strongly again against Pantović.
Bielefeld's final offensive failed
After 21 minutes even Ortega was powerless.
Pantović sent a wonderful cross to the back post, where Polter headed in from close range to make it 1-0 – his 10th goal of the season.
The equalizer then came as a complete surprise: Nilsson headed in a free-kick cross from Gonzalo Castro (35').
At the beginning of the second half, it was above all the atmosphere in the stadium, which was sold out with 25,000 spectators, that was really inspiring.
There were few exciting scenes in the two penalty areas.
Arminia, who desperately needed three points, remained harmless on offense except for a shot by substitute Burak Ince (83').
The Ko then on the other side: Zoller scored for VfL in the last minute (90th).
Arminia must now hope that competitor Stuttgart does not win at champions Bayern Munich (Sunday, 5.30 p.m.), otherwise it would go back to the second division after two years.
On the 34th and last day of the game, Bielefeld receives cup finalist RB Leipzig.
VfL Bochum ends the season at Union Berlin (both Saturday, May 14, 3:30 p.m.).
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