Top dog Schalke suffers defeat to Bochum in Ruhr derby - Schalke's promotion dreams fade after Ruhr derby defeat to Bochum
Schalke's promotion hopes suffered another blow after a 0–2 defeat to VfL Bochum in the Ruhr derby. The loss extends their winless streak to four matches, leaving their push for the Bundesliga in doubt. Despite controlling possession, Schalke struggled to break down a determined Bochum side.
The visitors took an early lead and never looked back. Koji Miyoshi struck just 42 seconds into the game, setting the tone for a frustrating night at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. Philipp Hofmann then doubled Bochum's advantage before halftime, sealing the result before Schalke's star striker Edin Džeko even entered the pitch.
Bochum started the match with lightning speed. Miyoshi fired them ahead in under a minute, catching Schalke's defence off guard. The hosts tried to respond but found Bochum's backline well-organised.
Hofmann made it 0–2 in the 43rd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse. Schalke pushed for a way back into the game, but two of their goals were disallowed—one for a foul and another due to Džeko's handball in the buildup.
The second half saw Schalke introduce Džeko, but even his presence failed to change the outcome. Bochum, despite sitting deeper, created the better chances, with Gerrit Holtmann particularly dangerous on the counter. Schalke's dominance in possession counted for little as their attacking moves lacked precision.
The defeat leaves Schalke's promotion ambitions under pressure. Currently, betting odds still favour them at 1.73–1.95, but their recent form has raised concerns. Bochum, meanwhile, sit third in the 2. Bundesliga with 69 points from 20 matches, though their promotion odds remain long at 16.0–17.0. Earlier in the season, they had dropped to seventh after a loss to Preußen Münster but have since surged into contention.
Schalke now face an uphill battle to secure promotion, with their winless run stretching back four games. Bochum's victory strengthens their own playoff hopes, though they remain behind Eintracht Braunschweig and Preußen Münster in the table. The result also highlights Schalke's struggles in front of goal, despite their control of matches. Their next fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can regain momentum.
