Stand: November 2, 2024, 6:00 a.m
Von: Maximilian Bülau
PressSplit
The Bundesliga starts in November – with a weekend full of top games.
But first we look into the basement, where VfL Bochum is still waiting for a win. However, a look back could give the Ruhrpott club some encouragement – the matchday in brief.
The winless
0:1, 0:2, 1:2, 2:2, 2:4, 1:3, 1:3, 0:5 – these are VfL Bochum’s results so far in the current season. VfL has already fired the coach, but he is still waiting for a win. One point after eight games – that’s a negative record. However, it didn’t just happen to Bochum, but also to SC Paderborn in 2019, 1. FC Saarbrücken in 1963, 1. FC Köln in 2017, Greuther Fürth in 2021 – and Bochum two years ago (see graphic). At that time, they had the worst eight-game start in Bundesliga history with a goal difference of -18. VfL currently only has a goal difference of -15.
Either way: There has to be success at last. Today Bochum is a guest in Frankfurt (3:30 p.m./Sky) – there are easier tasks. Most recently, the Hessians made it through to the cup when they were outnumbered, and in the league they also drew 1-1 with Union Berlin when they were outnumbered. However, Arthur Theate cannot leave the field again today. The Frankfurter is missing, blocked.
But the Bochum team are not alone as they are without a win. Newly promoted Holstein Kiel is also still waiting for its first Bundesliga success, and it would also be the first ever for the Störche. Both teams have one point on their account – from the direct duel (2:2). Kiel hosts Heidenheim today (3:30 p.m./Sky).
However, the poor start from two years ago can give the people of Bochum hope. In the end, VfL ended up in 14th place and thus stayed in the class.
The minimalists
How can you make it to a Champions League place with the third-worst attack? Just ask Union Berlin. The Eisernen have only scored nine goals, only St. Pauli and Bochum have fewer. And yet the Unioners are in fourth place with 15 points, tied with reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen. A secret: The Berliners have only conceded five goals – only RB Leipzig has fewer with three.
It is doubtful whether Union’s defense will hold up as well today. Finally, the Berliners will be guests at FC Bayern Munich from 3:30 p.m. (Sky). They not only scored the most goals in the league with 29 goals, but also gave Mainz (4:0), Bochum (5:0) and Stuttgart (4:0) no chance at all nationally.
The worried ones
Out of the DFB Cup, defeat against Augsburg, 2:5 in Madrid after a 2-0 lead – things haven’t been going well for Borussia Dortmund in all competitions recently. And in addition to a number of failures, coach Nuri Sahin, who has come under criticism, now also has to do without goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The Swiss is the tenth injured in the black and yellow team. And right now, RB Leipzig, second in the table, is visiting for the top game (today, 6.30 p.m./Sky).
However, Dortmund fans can be encouraged by the following: BVB has won all their games at home this season. No matter what competition. However, Borussia have only picked up one point away from home in the Bundesliga. In the cup it was only enough for a 4-1 win in Lübeck in the first round and in the Champions League there was a 3-0 win in Bruges at the start. Meanwhile, Leipzig is still worried about top scorer Lois Openda. Yussuf Poulsen, who scored twice in the cup, could replace him. (Maximilian Bülau and Werner Welsch)
