After more than a year, Bochum’s Marcel Sobottka was allowed to play in the 2nd Bundesliga again. There are worse games than against Schalke to end his period of suffering.”

On December 20, 2024, Marcel Sobottka made his last appearance in the second division. At that time, he was still playing for Fortuna Düsseldorf.

A long period of suffering followed: he was almost completely sidelined in the second half of the season due to injuries, and his contract was not renewed. In the winter, he moved to VfL Bochum.

And it was in the heated derby against FC Schalke that his suffering came to an end. In the 70th minute, he came on as a substitute for Callum Marshall. The midfielder then helped secure the 2-0 victory. After the game, the 31-year-old said: “There are worse clubs to make your debut against, especially when you win the game. Those were three important points, and the atmosphere was outstanding. We can build on that.”

It was the seventh consecutive unbeaten game for Bochum, who climbed to eighth place thanks to the three points at home. After the game, Sobottka celebrated with coach Uwe Rösler. Former Schalke player Sobottka explained why the two ran so enthusiastically toward the stands. “It was a special situation because we had a mutual friend in the stands. That’s why the coach grabbed me and pointed to our buddy.”