Sulu: "The international break was good for us"

SV Darmstadt 98's central defender Aytac Sulu was delighted to get back to winning ways at VfL Bochum, following a disappointing defeat to Fortuna Düsseldorf two weeks prior.

"The best first half since the winter break, we were always dangerous." - Dirk Schuster, Darmstadt head coach.

Sulu and his defensive team-mates have been in fine goalscoring form recently. The Turk scored twice in the 5-0 drubbing of 1. FC Union Berlin a few weeks ago, while Leon Balogun and Roman Bregerie netted both goals in the two-nil win over Bochum.

"We have been able to regroup," said the 29-year-old in reference to the international break. "After the Düsseldorf defeat we responded in the right way. The team works perfectly, so we can always get such strong performances."

That was Darmstadt's first defeat in sixteen games, so to bounce back so quickly and keep pace with the top two was vital. It also brought Bochum's unbeaten run of six matches to an end, although head coach Gertjan Verbeek gave full credit to their opponents.

"They made it very difficult, especially in the first half," admitted the Dutchman. "Darmstadt played very well and have taken advantage of their qualities - and we have allowed them to do that."

Bochum welcome RB Leipzig to the Ruhrstadion on Sunday, while the Lilies travel to 1. FC Nürnberg. Schuster's side will be hoping to jump to second, albeit temporarily, as 1. FC Kaiserslautern don't play until Monday.

Quotes via kicker.