An exciting draw played out at the Wildparkstadion during the early Saturday kick-off. Both sides had their chances, but fine displays from Rene Vollath and Michael Esser meant the game finished level; a fair result on reflection.
After new coach Gertjan Verbeek picked up his first win in a thrilling 3-2 win over Eintracht Braunschweig, only their second victory at home all season, Bochum were full of confidence heading into another big game with a promotion hopeful. Patrick Fabian, who picked an injury in training, was unable to make the matchday squad and was replaced by Malcolm Cacutalua in the Dutchman's only change.
Another strong performance away at FC Heidenheim earned Karlsruhe an important 0-1 away win and maintained their charge for promotion. However, a bout of injuries and suspensions forced coach Markus Kauczinski into several alterations. Captain and stalwart in goal Dirk Orlishausen had a bruised hip and was replaced by Rene Vollath. Philipp Klingmann came in for Enrico Valentini (suspended - five yellows), Jan Mauersberger replaced Dan Gordon (hamstring injury) and Gaetan Krebs took Ylli Sallahi's place.
Those changes didn't seem to have any effect on the hosts' rhythm, as Manuel Torres smashed the underside of the crossbar after an enterprising run after just three minutes. Rouwen Hennings nearly tapped in a cross during the same phase of play, only for it to trickle wide of the post.
Bochum had an equally good chance to open the scoring but after Simon Terodde found Selim Gündüz, the latter got the ball got under his feet and couldn't force Vollath into a save.
It was the visitors' turn to strike the woodwork soon after, with Malcolm Cacutalua rising highest and seeing his brilliant header bounce back off the post. Thomas Eisfeld tried to force it in on the rebound but Klingmann managed to scramble the ball clear.
Danny Latza nearly scored a contender for a goal of the season, as the game continued to excite. He struck a powerful, swerving shot from thirty-five yards, though Vollath scrambled across his goal and made a spectacular stop.
His save from Marco Terrazzino, who attempted to round the stand-in stopper, was equally impressive; sprawling himself at the former Freiburg attacker's feet to prevent Terrazzino from rounding him and opening the scoring.
Karlsruhe were breaking through when they got the chances, though the lack of a quality final ball was hindering their ability to test Michael Esser in the Bochum goal.
The second-half continued on in the same vein as the first, with plenty of action and attacking intention from both teams. Hennings seen his penalty appeal turned down, while Timo Perthel's shot forced a good save from Vollath.
Similarly to earlier in the game, Karlsruhe continually looked superior when it came to set-pieces. The dead-ball delivery was superb and Manuel Gulde nearly benefited from it on several occasions.
Chances were beginning to dry up at both ends, with neither side seemingly able to break down some sturdy-looking defences. Several wild efforts flew over Esser's goal, but the Bochum 'keeper did well to take the ball from Ilian Micanski before he could get his shot off.
The home side return to second place, though could be overtaken by Kaiserslautern if they manage to avoid defeat against FSV Frankfurt. They face a rejuvenated Nürnberg next weekend, hoping to return to winning ways.
Bochum would have been more than proud after a stellar performance, yet they could have easily taken all three points on a different day. Verbeek's side take on Frankfurt on Friday night, hoping to continue their recent revival.