Derby facing possible demotion - Clear Düsseldorf's neighbor, Bochum, away!
Fortuna Düsseldorf is about to face a nearby relegation battle on Thursday, as they'll be travelling only 50.8 kilometers to the first leg in 16th place of the Bundesliga (8:30pm/Sky and SAT1).
VfL Bochum had a poor performance in their match against Bremen, losing 4-1 despite having the most advantageous position among the four relegation competitors prior to the 34th matchday. Their defeat was partially influenced by Union's late rescue victory.
Kevin Stöger (30), who played for Fortuna Düsseldorf in the Bundesliga for two years until 2020 and was later relegated with them after leaving, has now returned to his former club for the relegation battle. Stöger expresses his dismay, stating, "I'm furious and dismayed that we're heading into relegation."
Fortuna captain Andre Hoffmann, who once shared the field with the Ösi at Düsseldorf, remarked, "We're familiar with VfL Bochum, almost like a neighborhood battle. These games will be close, and especially at Castroper Straße, where tensions usually run high. However, we head into the two encounters with confidence and will do everything in our power, supported by our fans, to achieve promotion."
Sporting director Christian Weber acknowledges the challenge ahead, saying, "Bochum is an opponent that unites as a team and possesses great individual quality. We're in for two highly intense matches. Our preparations for these games will begin on Monday."
It was evident on the final matchday that the anticipated relegation play-off between neighbors Düsseldorf and Cologne, feared for its intense fan rivalry, wouldn't materialize. Instead, FC Köln lost before halftime in Heidenheim, ending the game with a score of 4-1. Despite missing a penalty in the first half, Union Berlin managed to salvage themselves, securing their position in 15th place through Jannik Haber's penalty goal in stoppage time. Union's dramatic win solidified Bochum as Düsseldorf's opponents in the relegation play-off.
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Source: symclub.org
