DThanks to two goals from dream goalscorer Milos Pantovic, VfL Bochum have reached the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup for the first time in six years. The team coached by Thomas Reis defeated FSV Mainz 05 3-1 (0-1) on Tuesday evening at their home Ruhr Stadium, despite being temporarily behind. Pantovic turned the game in favor of VfL with his two goals and caused exuberant cheering from the 750 fans admitted.
First, the 25-year-old scored with a penalty kick (56th minute), then with a remarkable lob (59th minute). Pantovic is the man for the spectacular goals for Bochum: he has scored twice this season from a long distance. Karim Onisiwo gave Mainz the lead after a mistake by Bochum goalkeeper Manuel Riemann (36′). Substitute Eduard Löwen from Bochum got the final point in the round of 16 (80th). Mainz only defeated VfL in the Bundesliga 1-0 on Saturday.
For a long time there could be no question of an exchange of blows. Both teams acted very cautiously and were first concerned with a safe defense. So it became a tough affair. Mainz’s Jae-Sung Lee with a shot from the edge of the penalty area next to the goal (23′), on the other side a deflected shot by Danilo Soares (30′). The few spectators in the Bochum stadium had to be content with lean football food. In the first 45 minutes, there was far too little from the hosts in particular.
And it would probably have gone into the break 0-0 if it hadn’t been for the trophy hero Riemann. The VfL keeper, who had converted the crucial ball in the penalty shoot-out against FC Augsburg in the second round, was only able to let a long-range shot from Anton Stach bounce off forward. Onisiwo gratefully accepted the gift.
In the second round, however, another VfL was on the field. With a double chance from Jürgen Locadia and Patrick Osterhage, the hosts started a strong phase (54th). The pressure was soon rewarded when referee Felix Brych awarded Elvis Rexhbecaj a penalty after Leandro Barreiro had pulled his jersey.
Pantovic converted safely and had his big performance just three minutes later when he lobbed the ball over Mainz keeper Robin Zentner in the style of Lionel Messi. Then Reis also showed a lucky hand. Substitutes Sebastian Polter and Löwen made the decision in a co-production.
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