With a 3-2 home win over Hoffenheim, VfL Bochum has temporarily moved out of the Bundesliga's drop zone. They are presently three points above the relegation zone, but might go back if 16th-placed Mainz defeats Cologne, another relegation candidate, on Sunday. Oliver Baumann, the goalkeeper, made an early save against Bochum, and their effort struck the crossbar in the first six minutes of Friday's play. Kevin Stöger then broke the tie in the 34th minute with an incredible free kick.

Felix Passlack added a second shortly before halftime, and Stöger completed his brace in the 64th minute. Hoffenheim, who had a penalty call disallowed in the 23rd minute, equalized in the 73rd minute through Andrej Kramaric. Later, Bochum hung on for a huge three-point lead and even had chances to extend it. The result dealt significant damage to Hoffenheim's hopes of competing in the Conference League next season. They are now six points away from the qualification berth.