VfL Bochum’s fight against relegation is becoming increasingly precarious. But two aspects are encouraging, even after seven games without a win. A commentary.

On the one hand, there is the result. VfL Bochum only managed a 1-1 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga relegation battle, the seventh game in a row without a three-pointer.

The gap to the bottom is getting smaller and smaller. Although the lead over 1. FC Köln in 17th place has grown to five points, 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the relegation place is only one point away.

So what is encouraging for the final spurt? Certainly not the streak of Mainz, who are suddenly winning every game in impressive style, especially at home.

And certainly not the negative streak of Bochum, who have almost completely squandered a big lead. But two points remain that also speak in VfL’s favor.

Firstly, the incredible support from the crowd and secondly, the impressive morale of the team. For context: Bochum squandered a 2-0 lead against last-placed Darmstadt two weeks ago

One week later, they led 1:0 in Cologne – until the 90th minute. Then 90 seconds of horror followed and they went home empty-handed. Bochum seemed to have hit rock bottom, and then the own goal against Heidenheim followed after the change of coach. What a cucumber, and just before the end. By this point at the latest, it felt like nothing was possible anymore.

But VfL rebelled, just as they had done in the minutes before. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that it was Keven Schlotterbeck of all people who scored the 1:1, having scored so unluckily into his own goal shortly before.

He is one of the faces of Bochum when it comes to their determination to stay in the Bundesliga. Two others are Kevin Stöger and Takuma Asano, both of whom seem to be leaning towards leaving Bochum on a free transfer at the end of the season.

But the way they threw themselves into the game commands respect. Where other teams would not have got up after 0:1, Stöger took control of the match. He demanded balls, initiated attacks, initiated the 1:1 with his precise corner. Always with the body language that is needed.

VfL will not be relegated because morale is low. Nor will it be relegated because the fans have given up. Anthony Losilla hoped for the patience of the supporters before the game