Bundesliga
Jonas Wind netted a brace as Wolfsburg defeated Bochum 3-1 at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, leaving the latter without a Bundesliga victory so far this campaign.
Bochum 1-3 Wolfsburg
Goals: 0-1 Tomás 21' (assist: Amoura), 0-2 Wind 37' (assist: Amoura), 1-2 Boadu 72' (assist: Broschinski), 1-3 Wind 88' (pen.)
Bochum hosted the Wolves having managed just one point from their opening five games of the season. In contrast, Ralph Hasenhüttl's side arrived looking to build on their creditable draw against Stuttgart last time out.
The match began with Bochum showing intent, controlling possession and pushing forward. However, it was Wolfsburg who drew first blood in the 21st minute. Tomás broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, hammering home from inside the penalty area after a clever pass from Mohamed Amoura. The goal came against the run of play, with Bochum having enjoyed more of the ball at that point.
Wolfsburg's efficiency in front of goal was on full display as they extended their lead as half-time approahed. Wind showcased his predatory instincts, acrobatically volleying into the corner from Amoura's clever ball into the box. The Danish striker's goal put Wolfsburg firmly in control, despite Bochum's territorial advantage. The first half ended with tensions rising, as Wind, Jakov Medić, and even Bochum's coach Zeidler received yellow cards in quick succession.
The second half saw Bochum come out with renewed determination. Their efforts were rewarded in the 72nd minute when Boadu found the net, tapping home at the back post from a Moritz Broschinski cross. The goal breathed new life into the match and the home crowd, setting up a tense finale. Bochum continued to press, with Boadu and Daschner firing off shots, but Wolfsburg's defence held firm.
Just as Bochum were building momentum, Wolfsburg struck the decisive blow. In the 88th minute, a penalty was awarded to the visitors after a foul by Ibrahima Sissoko on Amoura. Wind stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although his initial attempt was saved by Patrick Drewes, he made no mistake with the rebound, completing his brace and securing the three points for Wolfsburg. The result leaves Bochum at the foot of the table, while the win ends a run of three games without victory for Ralph Hasenhüttl and Co.
Mohamed Amoura was the standout performer in Wolfsburg's victory. The Algerian forward's impact on the game was immense, providing two crucial assists for his team's first two goals. Amoura's speed and vision were instrumental in breaking down Bochum's defence, and he consistently posed a threat throughout the match. His ability to create chances and his work rate off the ball made him a constant thorn in Bochum's side, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bochum 2.0065 - Wolfsburg 3.4079
Fastest player: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg), 34.42 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Tiago Tomás (Wolfsburg), 8.65 percent
Most pressed player: Matúš Bero (Bochum), 14 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Patrick Drewes (Bochum), +1.96
Fantasy Heroes: Jonas Wind (VfL Wolfsburg, 235 Points), Kamil Grabara (VfL Wolfsburg, 177 Points), Sebastiaan Bornauw (VfL Wolfsburg, 173 Points)