Eintracht manager Armin Veh had to replace Sebastian Rode who was out with tonsillitis. Instead of Rode Sonny Kittel was in the starting line-up, the first time this season. The remaining line-up was the same as last Monday in the match against Union Berlin.
Chances For Both, Idrissou Opener
The first big chance straight away fell to the guests when VfL’s Maltritz headed towards goal from a corner – his attempt was ever so close and would have beaten Nikolov (1’). At the other end Köhler had a go with a decent long range free-kick but Bochum keeper Luthe saved (4’).
Then Idrissou tried a header which went wide (13’), the Cameroon born striker kept trying and had another header smacked the cross bar. The ball was crossed in again by Djakpa and somehow found Kittel who volleyed it towards Idrissou – this time his header was in the net – 1-0 (18’)!
VfL Going Forward, Efficient Eagles
Bochum kept trying to threaten Eintracht’s defense, but Toski’s free-kick (26’) and Ginczek’s flimsy shot (28’) hardly did so. Instead the hosts converted their chances rather effectively, a Hoffer cross ended up with Meier after a deflection from a Bochum defender and Eintracht’s top scorer controlled it beautifully to then send off a powerful shot under the bar – unstoppable for VfL goalkeeper Luthe (32’). For now Meier is the leading scorer of the league with 16 goals.
Only three minutes after Meier’s goal of the month contender Djakpa crossed in and found Hoffer who headed in from close range – 3-0 (35’)! All three SGE strikers had scored by then – only 35 minutes into the match.
No Surrender – Quiet 2nd Half
Despite the demoralising score line Bochum kept coming and had a great chance when Inui was through on goal and hit the post just a minute after Hoffer’s goal. Just before the break Inui was through again, this time Nikolov was quick to get hold of the ball (45’).
At the restart the match calmed down by a margin, the Eagles kept controlling the match but little chances were created and Bochum also lacked a certain will to score their first.
So the 39,200 crowd saw only a few exciting moves, first when Ginczek was through on goal and chipped the ball over Nikolov but also far to the right of the goal. Secondly – already close to the final whistle - Sinkiewicz’ header went jost a tad over the bar (89‘). Before that Eintracht had a chance to extend their lead (81’) when Hoffer had a go but his shot went high.
Impressive Season
This Friday night win was never in danger and the Eagles this season remain unbeaten at home and also without defeat in Friday matches. They have now won five matches in a row and scored 68 goals, the most in Bundesliga 2.
Coming up next is the match away to MSV Duisburg on Saturday at 13h CET – another hurdle to take in order to get closer to the big target – promotion.
