Zec leveller helps Kiel deny Bochum | OneFootball

Honours even as Holstein Kiel and Bochum play out enthralling relegation battle

Myron Boadu netted a brace for Bochum, but Holstein Kiel fought back to secure a 2-2 draw in a captivating relegation battle. Steven Skrzybski and David Zec were on the scoresheet for the hosts in an action-packed encounter marked by early injuries, frantic attacking football, and late drama.

Kiel 2-2 BochumGoals: 1-0 Skrzybski (pen.) 3’, 1-1 Boadu 37’ (assist: Bero), 1-2 Boadu 39’ (assist: Masouras), 2-2 Zec 50’ (assist: Tolkin)

Both teams were desperate for points to climb out of the danger zone. Kiel entered the match buoyed by their recent late-game heroics at Bayern Munich, where they lost narrowly by a 4-3 scoreline, while Bochum looked to build on their strong record against their fellow strugglers. Marcel Rapp and Dieter Hecking, the respective managers, knew the importance of this fixture in their bid for survival.

Boadu caused havoc for the Kiel defence in the first half, before coming off with an injury ahead of half-time. (IMAGO/OLE JACOBSEN)

The match exploded into life in the opening minutes as Kiel were awarded a penalty. Skrzybski stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Patrick Drewes to give the hosts a dream start. However, Kiel's joy was short-lived as they suffered two significant blows. First, Marco Komenda was forced off due to injury in the 19th minute, followed by goalscorer Skrzybski in the 25th minute.

Bochum, initially stunned by the early setback, gradually found their footing and began to assert themselves. The visitors' resurgence was spearheaded by Boadu, who posed a constant threat to the Kiel defence. Boadu's persistence paid off in the 37th minute when he latched onto a pass from Matúš Bero and fired a low shot from inside the box into the net, bringing Bochum level. Just two minutes later, Boadu struck again, this time heading home from close range after excellent work from Maximilian Wittek. The rapid double turned the game on its head and sent Bochum into the break with a 2-1 lead.

The second half began with Kiel showing renewed determination. Their efforts were rewarded just five minutes after the restart when Zec rose highest to head home a free-kick from John Tolkin, levelling the scores at 2-2. The equalizer set the stage for a pulsating second half, with both teams pushing for a winner. Kiel thought they had found it in the 73rd minute when Lewis Holtby fired home, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul by Holtby on Tom Krauß in the build-up.

As the match wore on, both sides had chances to claim all three points. Kiel's Armin Gigović struck the woodwork, while Bochum's Philipp Hofmann saw a close-range header brilliantly saved by Timon Weiner. In the end, neither team could find a winner, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.

Player of the Match: Myron Boadu

Boadu's performance was the standout one of the match, despite his early exit due to injury. The Dutch striker's two goals in quick succession turned the game in Bochum's favour and demonstrated his clinical finishing ability. Boadu's first goal, a well-placed shot from inside the box, showcased his technique, while his second, a close-range header, highlighted his positioning and awareness. His movement and link-up play caused constant problems for the Kiel defence, and his departure due to injury in first-half stoppage time was a significant blow to Bochum's attacking threat.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Holstein Kiel 1.37 - Bochum 1848 2.05Fastest player: Tim Oermann (Bochum), 33 km/hLowest goal probability: 1-1 by Myron Boadu (Bochum), 4.75 per centMost pressed player: Georgios Masouras (Bochum), 17 times under pressurePass efficiency: Matúš Bero (Bochum), +5.27

Fantasy Heroes: David Zec (Holstein Kiel, 379 Points), Bernardo (VfL Bochum 1848, 300 Points), Myron Boadu (VfL Bochum 1848, 237 Points)

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