Up until the 82nd minute, it looked as if newly promoted Bochum would continue to annoy the big players in the league at home…
After the 4-2 home win over Bayern two weeks ago and the 1-1 draw with Dortmund in December, everything looks set to be a surprise in Bochum again.
But then comes Leipzig superstar Christopher Nkunku (24) and redeems his team.
The offensive weapon (34 competitive games / 35 goals involved) is on the bench for the first time this season after advancing in the Europa League. Leipzig coach Tedesco rotates a total of seven times.
But without Nkunku, who by the way is the most valuable player in the world without an international match (55 million according to transfermarkt.de), Leipzig not only lacks goal danger and creativity. The Tedesco-Elf also lacks the necessary precision in the pass game.
That changes when the French come on (60th). There is momentum in the offensive game and with the first real chance, Leipzig strikes ice cold! From the center, Silva puts on the right side to Henrichs, who makes a few meters and alludes to Nkunku in the center of the penalty area. The joker moves to the right and sinks the ball from 15 meters into the left corner (82′).
Lucky for Leipzig: Bochum actually has the better chances. First Pantović slams a completely free shot over the goal from 14 meters (56′), then Losilla heads against the crossbar after a corner (70′), before Löwen hits the post from close range (77′).
Captain Anthony Losila (35): “Of course it’s tough, we played a good game against a strong opponent. But you can see that we have to be focused all the time. Unfortunately we didn’t take the good chances we had.”
Leipzig remains Bochum’s feared opponent. In seven games it rained seven defeats. After all: Already on Wednesday Bochum has the chance to forget the defeat. SC Freiburg is a guest in the DFB Cup quarter-finals.
