Football

Bochum's remarkable comeback from a three-goal deficit against Fortuna Duesseldorf in the Bundesliga relegation play-off second leg has secured their top-flight status for another season.Trailing 3-0 from the first leg at home, Bochum's hopes seemed bleak. However, a stunning performance from midfielder Kevin Stoeger ignited their resurgence. Stoeger, who was out of contract, provided two assists before winning and converting a penalty.Bochum's resurgence began with Stoeger's free-kick delivery, which Philipp Hofmann headed home in the 18th minute. The duo combined again in the second half, with Stoeger's cross finding Hofmann for another header.Just two minutes later, Stoeger's cross struck Matthias Zimmermann's arm, resulting in a penalty. Stoeger calmly converted from the spot, leveling the tie and silencing the home crowd.Despite a clear chance for Takuma Asano to win the match in regulation time, the game went into extra time. However, chances were scarce, and the match was decided by a penalty shootout.Andreas Luthe saved Duesseldorf's first spot-kick, but Florian Kastenmeier kept the hosts in the shootout by saving one of Bochum's. Both teams converted their subsequent penalties until Takashi Uchino blasted his shot over the bar, ensuring Bochum's survival in the top flight."We were in such a good position, we were so close, that's why it hurts even more," said Duesseldorf's sporting director Klaus Allofs. "We didn't play well but I don't know why -- we have no idea."Bochum's counterpart Patrick Fabian expressed his pride in his team's performance. "Incredible, that topped it all off as far as the season is concerned," he said. "I'm incredibly proud of the boys."Bochum's victory marks the fourth consecutive season they have remained in the top flight. The Bundesliga relegation play-off has historically favored the first-division team, with only three exceptions since its reintroduction in 2008-09.

Fortuna Duesseldorf is on the cusp of returning to the Bundesliga after a 3-0 victory over Bochum in the first leg of their relegation playoff. The win puts Duesseldorf in a commanding position ahead of the second leg on Monday, where they need only avoid defeat to secure promotion.Duesseldorf's triumph was built on a calamitous start for Bochum. Just 13 minutes into the match, Cristos Tzolis' quickly taken corner rebounded off Philipp Hofmann's leg and into the goal. The visitors doubled their lead early in the second half through Felix Klaus, who finished off a lightning-fast counterattack.Yannik Engelhardt sealed the victory with 18 minutes remaining, pouncing on a rebound from a Tzolis free-kick. The result gives Duesseldorf a significant advantage in their bid to return to the top division for the first time since 2019-20.Historically, the top-league side has held a clear advantage in the end-of-season playoff. However, Duesseldorf is one of only three second-flight teams to have won promotion via the playoff since its reintroduction in 2008-09.Duesseldorf's triumph over Hertha Berlin in 2011-12 is a testament to their ability to overcome the odds. Union Berlin, who leapfrogged Bochum out of the third-last spot on the final matchday, was the last second-division team to win promotion via the playoff, doing so on away goals in 2019.With the away goals rule abolished, Duesseldorf will secure promotion on Monday by winning, drawing, or losing by fewer than two goals. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the relegation playoff, with Duesseldorf poised to make a triumphant return to the Bundesliga.