Bundesliga 2024-25: Toothless Dortmund slumps to 2-0 loss at Bochum for second league loss under Kovac
Bundesliga 2024-25: Toothless Dortmund slumps to 2-0 loss at Bochum for second league loss under Kovac
Borussia Dortmund conceded two goals in three minutes to slump to a 2-0 defeat by relegation-threatened VfL Bochum in their mini Ruhr valley derby on Saturday for a second straight league loss under new coach Niko Kovac.
Host Bochum shot out of the blocks and had three chances in the opening nine minutes, a warning that Dortmund, fresh from its 3-0 midweek win at Sporting for its Champions League playoff first leg, did not heed.
The hosts opened their account in the 33rd minute with Giorgos Masouras, who joined in January, pushing the ball over the line from close range.
The Greek scored again two minutes later, intercepting Niklas Suele’s weak backpass to his goalkeeper and beating Gregor Kobel to stun the visitors.
Even after the break it was Bochum which was pushing for a goal, carving out several golden chances to add to its tally, including one by Masouras, whose 69th minute shot was stopped by Kobel.
Kovac’s team lacked a clear game plan and were no match for Bochum’s aggressiveness despite controlling possession with 63%.
Dortmund, which has won just one of its last seven league games, is 11th in the standings on 29 points and at risk of missing out on a top four finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Bochum remained in 17th but are level on 14 points with Heidenheim, 16th and in the relegation playoff spot.
