Highlights
D. Aytekin
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0:24
Watch: Bero: “When you believe, anything is possible”
120'
+ 1
Bochum are safe!
Uchino blazes into row M! Bochum live to fight another day. Heartbreak for Düsseldorf - they're staying in Bundesliga 2.
Full-time
120'
+ 1
Wittek puts Bochum 6-5 up
Nerves are jangling....
120'
+ 1
Sudden death
No mistake from Stöger and Tzolis. Who'll blink first? Not Schlotterbeck! Huge pressure on Fortuna's next taker...
120'
+ 1
Three apiece!
Engelhardt brings it back to 3-3 on penalties, before Asano and Oberdorf bury theirs...
120'
+ 1
Drama!
Düsseldorf with the chance to level after Jóhannesson scores and Kastenmeier thwarts Mašović!
120'
+ 1
Luthe saves; Bero scores
Despair for Fortuna - they're 2-0 down...
120'
+ 1
Bochum lead 1-0!
The sub sinks his penalty, in front of the Fortuna fans...
Penalty shootout
Full-time
119'
Fortuna 0-3 Bochum (3-3 on agg.) - after extra-time
Penalties will determine who plays Bundesliga football next season. Strap yourselves in, folks...
118'
Late drama...
... as Niemiec is denied by two goal-line clearances in quick succession - both following Tzolis corners! Luthe and Loosli were the heroes for Bochum.
117'
Well read
Ordets gets across quickly to block Tzolis - not helped by a heavy first touch - potentially running in on goal.
113'
Mr. Everywhere
Stöger's back on his feet and back defending, putting a right-wing cross behind for a corner. Hoffmann meets it, but plants his header straight at the grateful Luthe.
111'
Cramp
Stöger's down receiving a bit of TLC from the Bochum physios. He's not the only one feeling it in the legs...
108'
Over!
Daferner heads over from the Greek forward's cross. Not an easy one to keep down.
107'
Deflected wide!
Uchino picks up the ball outside the area, but his shot is deflected wide. Tzolis will get another go after his first corner is cleared...
106'
Fifteen more minutes to go
Can either side summon a winner, or will penalties decide the 2023/24 play-off?
Kick-off!
105'
+ 1
No change - 3-3 on aggregate
Bochum controlled the first period of extra-time, albeit without seriously troubling the Fortuna defence. Two big team talks coming up...
Half-time
102'
All Bochum
No let-up from Butscher's boys. Backs to the wall for Düsseldorf once again...
99'
Reinforcement
Mašović replaces Losilla for Bochum. The Serbian can play at the back or in midfield, as it looks like he will for the remainder.
99'
Substitution
97'
Headed clear
Confidence-builder for Hoffmann, whose first touch is a towering headed clearance from the corner.
97'
Substitution
96'
Slowed
Bochum's rhythm has been checked after that mini break, but Asano has just won a corner off Zimmermann.
91'
Paciência on
The two-goal Hofmann makes way. He ran his socks off for the Bundesliga club. Thirty more minutes, plus penalties if needed.
Extra time
90'
+ 7
Substitution
End of second half
It ain't over yet!
© IMAGO/Tim Rehbein/RHR-FOTO
90'
+ 6
Blocked!
Ordets stretches out in front of his goalkeeper to stop Tzolis from curling an effort on goal. Luthe claims the ensuing corner in the last action of the 90.
90'
+ 4
Off target
De Wijs meets it, but doesn't trouble Luthe in the Bochum goal.
90'
+ 3
Denied!
Schlotterbeck slides in to prevent the rampaging Niemiec from racing away and getting a cross in. Corner to come...
90'
Six added minutes
Extra-time awaits, unless we get a late winner...
90'
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes
Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.
89'
Asa-noooooo!
The Bochum sub is a whisker from getting a toe to Osterhage's teasing low cross into the six-yard box. Was that the moment?
87'
Wide from Ordets
Good delivery from Stöger, but it's a difficult one for Ordets. The Ukrainian is moving in the other direction and a long distance from goal as he heads well wide.
86'
Grappling
Fortuna want a penalty as Niemiec goes to ground in the box under Schlotterbeck's challenge, but the referee is unmoved.
83'
Safe hands
Uchino looks for Daferner, but Luthe reads it well and is out to make the catch.
83'
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Osterhage replaces the energetic Daschner in the Bochum midfield. Defender Uchino and forward Daferner are the fresh personnel for Düsseldorf.
83'
Substitution
83'
Substitution
82'
Substitution
81'
Stöger!
Kastenmeier gets down low to keep out the Bochum talisman's low strike from the edge of the Fortuna area. The tension is palpable!
78'
Not clicking
Zimmermann overcooks his pass for Niemiec as Fortuna try to get in behind the Bochum defence. That just about sums up their performance so far.
75'
Double change
Düsseldorf desperately need a spark. Can Jóhannesson and Niemiec - with seven Bundesliga 2 goals between them this season - provide it?
75'
Substitution
75'
Substitution
Bochum on fire
© IMAGO/kolbert-press/Marc Niemeyer
72'
What a save!
The momentum's all with Bochum as Wittek finds the head of Asano in the six-yard box. He directs it towards the bottom corner, but Kastenmeier claws it away.
70'
Bochum level the tie!
Stöger sinks the penalty against his former club, sending Kastenmeier the wrong way. Bochum were 3-0 down after the first leg, but are now level at 3-3 on aggregate! Incredible!
Goal probability
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
Shot speed
Shot speed
Shot speed describes the maximum speed in km/h that a ball reaches in a shot on goal. The distance is measured from the location of the shot to the centre of the goal.
Distance to Goal
Distance to Goal
The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.
68'
Penalty to Bochum!
Zimmermann handles Stöger's cross. The referee blows his whistle for a penalty, but they'll check this one...
66'
Hofmann at the double!
Bochum pull to within one goal of tying the play-off! Stöger's the architect again, this time with a whipped cross from the right. Hofmann pulls away from his marker and heads past Kastenmeier. How will Fortuna respond?
Goal probability
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
Distance to Goal
Distance to Goal
The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.
62'
Half chance
Düsseldorf don't deal with a Stöger corner. Wittek drives the loose clearance goalwards, with Hofmann first to the deflected shot but heading straight at Kastenmeier.
59'
Desired impact
Asano's involved immediately, sprinting past Iyoha and clipping a cross just out of Hofmann's reach in the penalty box.
58'
Fresh legs
Japanese forward Asano, who started the first leg, replaces Passlack. Loosli's also on in defence for the carded Oermann.
58'
Substitution
58'
Substitution
55'
Wayward!
Tzolis spreads the play to Zimmermann, who pulls a dangerous ball back across the box. Iyoha takes it on, but the striker-turned-full-back balloons over.
53'
Close!
Losilla is at the back post to meet the delivery, but can't beat Kastenmeier. Another let-off for Fortuna.
51'
Man down
Sobottka took a blow to the head in that passage of play. He's been bandaged up, and should be OK to continue, after this Bochum corner...
49'
Heroic stuff
Fortuna put bodies on the line as Daschner pings in a shot from range. Hofmann tries to get on the end of the rebound, but Oberdorf slides in to block. He then celebrates like he's scored the winning goal.
46'
No changes from either side
Bochum have 45 minutes to preserve their top-flight status...
Kick-off!
Half-time: Fortuna 0-1 Bochum (3-1 on agg.)
© IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Meusel
Half-time
45'
+ 1
Additional time
Into the first of three added minutes...
44'
Stanchion!
A good number of fans think Bochum have scored, but it's the stanchion that's rattled - as well as the home supporters' nerves - by Daschner's 18-yard strike that took a wicked deflection on its way through.
41'
Close!
Schlotterbeck flings himself at another trademark Stöger free-kick, the Bochum defender sending a diving header narrowly wide of the left-hand post. Might have been offside, mind...
39'
Hat-trick of bookings
Wittek joins Hofmann and Oermann in the referee's little black book.
37'
Tidy football
Great hustle from Klaus forces a mistake in the Bochum backline. Engelhardt and Tanaka help it on for Sobottka, who curls wide from 18 yards.
36'
Low on clear-cut chances
xGoals
The xGoals value of a club is calculated from the sum of all goal probabilities (goals and shots on goal) of that team. During a match, it’s easy to see whether the club is performing better than expected (goals > xGoals) - or maybe even higher (xGoals > goals).
xGoals
0
0.37
0.45
1
Goals
33'
Set-piece danger
Nervy times for the hosts as Stöger clears the Düsseldorf upright with a free-kick. A second Bochum goal would really put a cat among the pigeons.
32'
Spinning strike
Bochum return fire with Wittek, whose low drive is well held by the diving Kastenmeier. Stöger was waiting to pounce on any spillage.
31'
Almost!
Bochum go to sleep from a Tzolis free-kick. The unmarked De Wijs doesn't expect to receive the pass, and glances his header millimetres wide of the far post.
30'
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes
Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.
28'
Timed to perfection
Engelhardt makes a superb recovery challenge, just as Hofmann threatened to pull clear on the counter with men left and right. The Düsseldorf fans sound their appreciation.
25'
Half chance
Tzolis gets the better of Oermann, before whipping in a shot that's straight at Luthe. The Norwich loanee finished as Bundesliga 2's joint-leading scorer in 2023/24, with 22 goals.
22'
Hofmann in again
The Bochum striker's first touch lets him down as a ball comes in from the left. Fortuna were all at sea again. Lucky for them he didn't throw his head in the direction of the pass.
18'
Bochum lead on the night!
This makes things very interesting! Kastenmeier hesitates as he thinks about coming to claim a Stöger free-kick from deep. Hofmann takes advantage, heading home from close range to cut Fortuna's aggregate lead to 3-1!
18'
SituationGoal
ReviewOffside?
DecisionGoal
Goal probability
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
Distance to Goal
Distance to Goal
The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.
16'
Tale of the tape
Goal attempts
2off target
2on target
1off target
0on target
16'
Possession (%)
4258
12'
Worth a crack!
Stöger shows a neat touch 25 yards from the Fortuna goal, before drilling comfortably wide of the target. He scored seven Bundesliga goals during the regular season.
10'
All-action forward
Tzolis caused the Bochum defence all manner of problems in the first leg. He's back defending here, sweeping away before the visitors could get a ball into the danger zone.
9'
Proceed with caution
Right-back Oermann's the second Bochum player into the book after grappling with Tzolis.
7'
Safe hands
Kastenmeier comes to claim a searching cross from the left. Commanding goalkeeping early in a high-pressure game.
6'
Yellow peril
An early booking that could come back to haunt Hofmann, who refused to let Oberdorf take a quick free-kick on the edge of the Fortuna penalty area. So unnecessary!
4'
Oozing with confidence
Düsseldorf have started really well. They're passing the ball around with real composure.
2'
Lively start!
Fortuna are straight on the attack as Tanaka wins back possession 20 yards from goal. He takes aim, but a deflection directs it behind with Luthe beaten. Vermeij heads the resultant corner at the goalkeeper.
1'
Under way!
Will Fortuna seal a return to the Bundesliga after four years away? It's going to take a special Bochum performance to stop them...
Kick-off!
'Fortuna wins'
The home fans in the south stand have put together a fabulous pre-match Tifo, predicting victory for their beloved club. It's red and white, just like the home shirts. Bochum are in their traditional dark blue number.
Teams in the tunnel
A cauldron of noise awaits the players. What an occasion for both clubs...
3:43
Watch: Fortuna Düsseldorf - fan experience
5:26
Watch: Fortuna For All
Three up, three down?
If Fortuna finish the job, they'll make it a clean sweep for Bundesliga 2, with. St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel having already been promoted automatically. Darmstadt and Cologne are down, meanwhile, after finishing in the Bundesliga's bottom two.
More on those teams
While Fortuna are unchanged from the first leg, Bochum's Heiko Butscher makes three changes. Right-back Tim Oermann, midfielder Anthony Losilla and attacker Lukas Daschner come in, with Bernardo, Patrick Osterhage and Takuma Asano making way.
Fortuna starting line-up
Kastenmeier (c) - Zimmermann, Oberdorf, De Wijs, Iyoha - Engelhardt, Tanaka - Klaus, Sobottka, Tzolis - Vermeij
Fortuna subs
Niemczycki, Uchino, Hoffmann, Quarshie, Bergmann Jóhannesson, Appelkamp, Niemiec, Daferner, Mustapha
Bochum starting line-up
Luthe - Oermann, Ordets, Schlotterbeck, Wittek - Losilla (c), Bero - Passlack, Stöger (c), Daschner - Hofmann
Bochum subs
Thiede, Gamboa, Mašović, Römling, Loosli, Osterhage, Elezi, Paciência, Asano
Away struggles
Bochum have won only 11 out of 55 away games in all competitions since Bundesliga promotion in 2021. Only one of those was by a margin that could help them here - 3-0 at Viktoria Berlin in 2022/23 DFB Cup first round.
0:09
Watch: Fortuna fans en route to the stadium
Butscher ahead of the second leg
© IMAGO/Christian Schroedter
Thioune ahead of the second leg
© Christof Koepsel
A North Rhine-Westphalia conundrum
Germany's most populous state tends to be very well represented in the Bundesliga and has boasted nine out of 18 top-flight teams in numerous seasons, most recently in 1996/97 when local sides Borussia Dortmund won the Champions League and Schalke lifted the UEFA Cup. But Bochum having to face Düsseldorf - the state capital - means only four teams from NRW will be in the Bundesliga next year in Leverkusen, Dortmund, Gladbach and the winner of this play-off. It's the lowest number in 62 seasons of the Bundesliga.
Seventh heaven for Fortuna?
Düsseldorf have already gained promotion to the Bundesliga six times before and are now going for a seventh - only Nuremberg and Arminia Bielefeld have come up more often (eight each). Fortuna have spent a total of 25 years in the top flight since its creation in 1963, playing 854 games and sitting 19th in the all-time table.
3:35
Watch: Every Tzolis goal this season
Hope for Bochum?
© Boris Streubel/Bundesliga
A rare BL2 win
© Christof Koepsel
Advantage Fortuna
© Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Bundesliga
2:03
Watch: Bochum 0-3 Düsseldorf - highlights
Hello and welcome!
© IMAGO/osnapix / Hirnschal