Bochum hand Hamburg first league defeat of the season

Blum wondergoal puts VfL on their way

The opening quarter of an hour of the second half saw periods of pressure for both sides, chances occuring more through mistakes in possession than attractive combination play. In trying to play out from the back, the Rothosen invited their guests onto them, in the 56th minute lucky to escape without conceding another goal as Danny Blum won the ball on the edge of the Hamburg area, but Bochum were unable to muster a serious attempt on Ulreich's goal. Despite the chances coming for the guests, it was HSV who got back into the game in the 65th minute, Aaron Hunt clipped in the area by Maxim Leitsch and Simon Terodde continuing his goalscoring exploits with the resulting penalty.

It would prove to be a false dawn, Bochum unfazed by conceding the goal and hitting back with a one-two punch in the 78th and 82nd minute. A VfL counter saw Danny Blum played through into what looked like a promising but not immediately dangerous position, yet the 29-year-old spotted Sven Ulreich off his line and sumptuously chipped the 'keeper from the right-hand edge of the area to put his side back into the lead. The third followed soon after, Zulj making his way to the byeline and the Hamburg defence disorganised in the middle, leaving space for Ganvoula to lay into the path of fellow substitute Chibsah, who put the icing on the cake for the visitors. There was little to be seen of a late comeback this time around from the Rothosen, who will be looking for a more disciplined and energetic performance next Sunday away to FC Heidenheim (kick-off 1:30pm).