One of the opening games of the weekend saw Bochum and Darmstadt go head-to-head for the first time since 1982, Bochum managed to come out on top and win 1-0 that day. Both teams started the season very well, however in recent weeks they've both dropped off and were looking to get things back on the right track. Before the international break Bochum managed to draw with Nürnberg, while Darmstadt suffered a heavy loss to Fortuna Düsseldorf.
Bochum have drawn all five of their previous home matches 1-1, so no surprises tonight as they snatched a late equaliser to secure an incredible sixth 1-1 draw at home.
In the second minute Tobias Kempe was able to charge towards goal, forcing Andreas Luthe into parrying the ball away. The rebound fortunately fell just out of the reach of Dominik Stroh-Engel.
Ten minutes into the game we had our first goal of the game. Kempe's corner wasn't good, however the ball came back out to him, Marcel Heller was picked out by Kempe and he delivered a great cross into the box, Romain Brégerie directed his header towards goal and fortunately it deflected off a defender and crept in past Luthe.
Darmstadt didn't let up after their goal, they continued to play lovely football and push for another goal. After assisting the first Heller was on the hunt for a goal of his own, he cut in from the left and fired a shot from the edge of the area just over. Bochum had a decent chance when they worked a freekick well. Yusuke Tasaka was able to pick out Simon Terodde, who controlled with his chest to get past Aytac Sulu and fired across goal, but unfortunately away from danger.
Stroh-Engel could've extended his sides lead when Kempe's freekick found it's way to the back post, however the big striker wasn't able to adjust after a bounce took the ball behind him. A quick attack from Bochum almost provided an equaliser, Michael Gregoritsch poked the ball to Tasaka after giving the ball away and the Japanese midfielder's effort was palmed into the air by Christian Mathenia.
Darmstadt finished the half strongly and deservedly lead at the break, they were more threatening going forward and they reduced Bochum to limited chances.
Luthe managed to save Gregoritsch the embarrassment that comes from scoring an own goal. Kempe's corner deflected off Grigoritsch and Luthe was able to stop it going in. Kempe managed to get an effort on goal, sadly for Darmstadt he directed the shot straight to Luthe.
Bochum weren't able to create many chances and it was only late on when they decided to try their luck from range, however both efforts were well off their mark. Despite their lack of creative spark in attack Bochum finally grabbed an equaliser with the last kick of the game. Tobias Weis' freekick into the box was headed up into the air and this allowed Luthe to head the ball across goal and Mikael Forssell was there to fire the keeper's header in for his first Bochum goal.
The second half was less impressive than the first, the flow of the game took a big hit with the amount of fouls both sides committed. Bochum struggled to create chances despite the amount of possession they had, this is something Peter Nerurer was clearly frustrated with. The late goal makes it six consecutive 1-1 draws at home for Bochum, still unbeaten at home this season but I'm sure they would like a couple of wins.