Bochum knock Mainz out of the cup with their first home win
Second-division Bochum beat Mainz 2-0 in the German Cup to secure their first home victory of the season. Christian Rasmussen scored immediately after half-time and Philipp Hofmann added the second. Mainz, who had won six consecutive away matches across seasons, missed the last 16 for a fourth successive year.
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Rasmussen breaks a goalless first half
Second-division VfL Bochum knocked Bundesliga side Mainz out of Germany’s national football cup, the DFB-Pokal, with a 2-0 home win on Tuesday. Christian Rasmussen and Philipp Hofmann scored after half-time at the Ruhrstadion. Bochum reached the last 16 while securing their first home victory of the season. Mainz’s run of six successive away wins across seasons ended in the second-round tie.[1], [2]
The first half ended without a goal. Mainz had more than 2,500 travelling supporters behind them but struggled to create clear chances. Mainz could not turn their strong away form into control of the tie. Bochum threatened through Holtmann down the left, while Mainz efforts were dealt with by goalkeeper Horn.[1]
A deflection gives Bochum the lead
Rasmussen scored only 30 seconds after the restart. Holtmann delivered the ball from the left and the forward’s shot was deflected by Kaishu Sano, leaving goalkeeper Schwolow unable to stop it. Mainz captain Widmer then tested Horn at the other end. Rasmussen also had another effort saved as Bochum continued to threaten after taking the lead.[1], [2]
Mainz coach Urs Fischer tried a triple substitution to improve his attack, but Bochum found the next goal on a counterattack. Jarne Steuckers squared the ball for Hofmann, who finished from close range in the 75th minute. The substitute striker’s goal doubled the lead without giving Mainz a route back through an equaliser.[2], [1]
Mainz miss the last 16 for a fourth year
Mainz’s best chances came late. Horn stopped a Posch header from an Caci free-kick and then gathered a late attempt by Becker. Bochum protected their clean sheet through stoppage time. The defeat was Mainz’s fourth consecutive second-round cup exit and their third defeat against Bochum in this competition.[1], [2]
The result reversed the outcome of the clubs’ previous meeting, when Mainz had won 4-1 and sealed Bochum’s relegation from the Bundesliga. This time the lower-division side advanced at home. Mainz’s next scheduled league match is away to Elversberg on Friday, followed by a home fixture against Bayern Munich eight days later.[1], [2]
