VfL Bochum is eager to build on their impressive 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich as they prepare to face Eintracht Frankfurt. Coach Dieter Hecking emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus, especially after overcoming a challenging first encounter this season. Bochum, now close to improving their league standing, will be without defender Bernardo and may miss Matus Bero due to illness. Despite recent successes, Hecking stresses the need for continued effort and vigilance against a capable Frankfurt side.
VfL Bochum Aims to Capitalize on Recent Triumph
Following their stunning win over Bayern Munich, VfL Bochum is eager to maintain their momentum. Coach Dieter Hecking has shifted his focus to the upcoming challenge against Eintracht Frankfurt, emphasizing the need for preparedness.
Historic Victory Against Bayern Munich
March 8, 2025, will be etched in the annals of Bochum’s history as they celebrated a remarkable 3-2 victory in Munich. This achievement marks Bochum’s first away win against a league leader in their Bundesliga journey and only their second triumph against Bayern in 34 years.
In an impressive comeback, Dieter Hecking’s squad rallied from a two-goal deficit, a feat last accomplished by Hamburger SV in April 1982. The team has displayed commendable attitude and determination in recent weeks, and Hecking has been pivotal in stabilizing their performance. The excitement from their Bayern victory is expected to provide a boost as they prepare to host Frankfurt at Castroper Straße this Sunday at 3:30 PM.
The first encounter this season was a challenging moment for Bochum, where they suffered a 2-7 loss under interim coach Markus Feldhoff. Since Hecking took over, he has turned the team’s fortunes around, increasing their points from just one to 20.
Interestingly, Frankfurt is a familiar foe for Bochum. Historically, Bochum has triumphed over Frankfurt 25 times, with 20 of those wins coming without conceding a goal. Since their return to the Bundesliga four years ago, Bochum has earned points in five out of seven matches against Frankfurt, boasting two wins, three draws, and two losses.
Heading into the rematch, the dynamics have shifted. While Eintracht started the year strong with three consecutive wins, they have since struggled, recording only one victory in their last seven Bundesliga matches. Their recent losses to Bayern, Bayer Leverkusen, and Union Berlin have dropped them to fourth place, marking the first time since matchday 8 that they are outside the top three.
Despite a recent 4-1 win against Ajax Amsterdam, which secured their place in the Europa League quarter-finals, Bochum is hopeful. Historically, Frankfurt has faltered in the league following European matches, failing to secure a win in their last four Bundesliga games after such encounters.
Meanwhile, Bochum is closing in on a higher league position, now just two points shy of fifteenth-placed St. Pauli. Hecking, who opted not to watch Frankfurt’s match against Ajax but enjoyed a meal instead, is keen to prepare his team for the challenge ahead.
Bochum is looking to build on their newfound confidence, especially after breaking their away game slump with the recent victory against Bayern, which was their first away win of the season against the record champions.
However, Bochum will face some hurdles, as they will be without defender Bernardo, who is suspended after receiving a fifth yellow card. The participation of Matus Bero is also uncertain due to illness. On a positive note, players like Gerrit Holtmann and Myron Boadu are back in the mix. Hecking expressed his satisfaction with the available alternatives: “Anything is possible,” he stated, acknowledging that while changes may be necessary, the team’s stability remains intact.
Hecking remains focused, insisting that the team cannot afford to relax. “We are grateful for the points in Munich, but that’s behind us now,” he said. He anticipates a challenging match against Frankfurt, recognizing their capabilities demonstrated in the game against Ajax. “The three points against Bayern were unexpected, and we cannot become complacent,” he cautioned. With only one defeat in their last five matches, he underscored that “the journey is far from over, with nine tough challenges still ahead.”