Bundesliga
Rasmus Kristensen and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya struck first-half goals, with Michy Batshuayi adding a late third, for Eintracht Frankfurt to end a three-game winless run in the Bundesliga with a 3-1 victory at Bochum, for whom Gerrit Holtmann’s finish was a mere consolation in their battle to avoid relegation.
Bochum 1-3 Eintracht Frankfurt
Goals: 0-1 Kristensen 27’ (assist: Skhiri), 0-2 Bahoya 32’ (assist: Ekitiké), 1-2 Holtmann 73’ (assist: Oermann), 1-3 Batshuayi 90'+6 (assist: Knauff)
Kick-off at the Ruhrstadion was initially delayed by 50 minutes due to safety concerns in the away section. Once the issues were resolved and the game got underway, Bochum started brightly, creating several chances and putting pressure on the Frankfurt defence. However, it was the visitors who would strike first, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter that saw Bahoya set a new Bundesliga speed record of 23.09 mph (37.16 km/h).
Against the run of play, Frankfurt took the lead in the 27th minute. Kristensen found the net with a well-taken shot, capitalising on good work from Ellyes Skhiri. Just five minutes later, the visitors doubled their advantage as Bahoya finished off a slick move, with Hugo Ekitiké providing the assist. The quick-fire double left Bochum stunned and gave Frankfurt a commanding 2-0 lead at half-time. Throughout the first half, Kauã Santos made several crucial saves for Frankfurt, keeping a determined Bochum side at bay.
The home side refused to give up and came out fighting in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Holtmann found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The goal energised Bochum and their supporters, setting up a tense finale. Frankfurt's defence, marshalled by the impressive Santos in goal, was put under intense pressure but held firm against the Bochum onslaught. Kristensen continued to be a threat for Frankfurt, while Bochum's Philipp Hofmann came agonisingly close to equalising.
As Bochum pushed for an equaliser, spaces began to open up for Frankfurt on the counter-attack. In the dying moments of the game, substitute Batshuayi capitalised on one such opportunity. The Belgian striker found the net in the 96th minute, securing a 3-1 victory for Frankfurt and extinguishing Bochum's hopes of a comeback. The late goal was a cruel blow for the home side, who had fought valiantly to get back into the match.
While several Frankfurt players impressed, Bahoya stood out with a performance that combined skill, speed and clinical finishing. Not only did he score Frankfurt's crucial second goal, but he also set a new Bundesliga speed record during the match. Bahoya's pace and direct running caused problems for the Bochum defence throughout the game, and his goal proved to be the difference between the two sides. Kristensen and Santos also deserve mention for their significant contributions to Frankfurt's victory.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bochum 2.56 - Frankfurt 3.52
Fastest player: Jean-Mattéo Bahoya (Frankfurt), 37.16 km/h - RECORD
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by Gerrit Holtmann (Bochum), 1.97 percent
Most pressed player: Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt), 26 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Hugo Ekitiké (Frankfurt), +4.39
Fantasy Heroes: Rasmus Kristensen (Frankfurt, 354 Points), Kauã Santos (Frankfurt, 260 Points), Tim Oermann (Bochum, 285 Points)